I do not feel unloved by opposition fans: Djokovic

BELGRADE Novak Djokovic does not feel antagonized by lack of fan support when facing his biggest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in major finals on the ATP Tour, Serbia’s world No. 1 said on Tuesday.

Tennis pundits have often suggested that Djokovic gets infuriated as well as galvanized by overwhelming support for Federer and Nadal when he locks horns with them, but the 32-year-old from Belgrade offered a different view.

“I’ve read a lot of stuff suggesting that I am disliked, but I really don’t have that impression, especially off-court,” Djokovic said. “Even if that was true, why would I want to add fuel to the fire?

“I don’t want to stir up negative emotions. I have no ill feelings for people who don’t support me. Having said that, I am not proud of my occasional reactions on the court as my passion gets the better of my self-control at times.

“You reap what you sow and it is never my intention to generate bad energy.”

Djokovic conceded there were places where he has less support.

“It is a fact that most fans support Federer and Nadal against me, but that’s due to what they represent in world tennis,” Djokovic added.

“It doesn’t mean that fans hate me, and it certainly doesn’t mean I need to turn Serbia against the rest of the world just because fewer people support me in Grand Slam finals.”

Djokovic won his 17th overall major last month at his favourite hunting ground in Melbourne, where he captured his eighth Australian Open title amid vocal support from many local Serb expatriates.

The atmosphere was in stark contrast to last year’s Wimbledon final, where Djokovic forced Federer into submission after five dramatic sets despite raucous fan support for the Swiss maestro, who has won a record 20 Grand Slam titles.