‘You Become Very Unpopular When You Start Winning’ – Novak Djokovic Stands Tall as 24-Year-Old ATP Ace Dishes Out Philosophy as He Looks to Replicate His Success

Perhaps it isn’t an over exaggeration when people say that this has been the greatest era in men’s tennis by miles. This era has been majorly shaped by the iconic rivalry of the ‘big 3’. With Roger Federer‘s retirement in 2022 and Rafael Nadal‘s final run looking imminent, Novak Djokovic has the chance to cement his position at the top of the G.O.A.T list. But does Novak Djokovic share the same demigod status among the fans as the other two greats? Well, the Serbian legend has always had a love-hate relationship with the fans at large. Recently, another star on the ATP Tour, vying for the throne of the ‘Big 3’ gave his rather indifferent thoughts on the ‘Djoker’.

The current world number 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas was asked about his opinion on the monumental achievements of Djokovic ahead of Roland Garros. Here is what he had to say about the 22-time grand slam champion.

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ cold take on the incredible feats achieved by Djokovic

With the French Open set to begin in a few days, the 24-year-old Greek was quizzed about Novak Djokovic in his pre-tournament press conference. Djokovic is looking to win his 23rd grand slam and sit right at the top of the all-time list. With such a mind-boggling feat awaiting him, is it now time to look at his career from a whole new perspective altogether? The interviewer’s curiosity was natural. Tsitsipas was quick to respond, though.

He answered, “I don’t go to sleep at night thinking about that. Doesn’t really cross my mind. Doesn’t occupy too much of my thoughts. It would be great for him. You know, if he’s capable of doing it, massive respect. But what I’m out here trying to do is just focus on myself and perhaps be the guy that everyone will hate one day! In a good way. As they say, you become very unpopular when you start winning. Yeah.”

The young ATP ace trails 2 wins to 11 in head-to-head meetings against the mighty Serb. Most notably, Djokovic defeated the Greek 3 sets to 2 in a thrilling encounter at the 2021 French Open finals. Did that play a part in the Greek star’s answer to the question about the Serbian tennis legend? Only he will know.

READ MORE: ‘One of the Biggest Wishes’ – Novak Djokovic Desires to Have a ‘Roger Federer-Like’ Farewell Once He Hangs Up His Boots

Novak Djokovic chases immortality at Roland Garros

Djokovic is on the brink of creating history and achieving eternal greatness. He will become the only male player in history to win 23 grand slam titles, if he is able to succeed in Paris. This would also mean that he would surpass his archrivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in terms of grand slams won for the first time in his career.

Will that finally settle the G.O.A.T debate and cement his legacy once and for all? The weight of it all will surely be on the back of his mind, heading into Roland Garros. He may not be as ‘popular’ as his 2 great rivals, but certainly, numbers don’t lie!

Do you thing the ‘Djoker’ will win his 23rd Grand Slam title in Paris this year? Give us your predictions in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘He’s A Perfectionist’ – Days After Novak Djokovic’s Friendship Bomb On Roger Federer, Ex-Coach’s Blunt Revelation Shows Mysterious Similarities Between The Two Tennis Legends