Novak Djokovic is undeniably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, yet throughout his career he has found himself struggling to win the same universal affection bestowed upon his fiercest rivals.
There are many theories why this may be the case, some even presented by the Serbian himself.
Alas, his credentials within the sport are undeniable, and his legacy everlasting.
Sadly, that has not protected him from the kind of abuse and poor behaviour that he received last year, when he played at the Australian Open.
There, he was booed off court after his loss to Alexander Zverev, in a moment that left Martina Navratilova furious.
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Having already stunned by beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, Novak Djokovic had enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Melbourne.
However, as has so often been the case in recent years, such a gruelling two weeks took a physical toll on his body. This resulted in his wearisome performance in the semi-finals, and after he had lost the first set on a tiebreak, he approached the net early to glumly offer his hand and confirm his retirement.
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What happened next was hugely disappointing, with smatterings of boos emerging from the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
Speaking on Tennis Channel afterwards, Navratilova was not happy: “What I’m really upset about is the crowd booing Novak.
“Seriously? Nobody wanted to finish that match more than Novak. Nobody. And then they boo. I mean seriously, it’s just disgusting.”
Rennae Stubbs echoed that sentiment, adding: “I don’t care what you think of Novak Djokovic, love him or hate him. If you booed him off the court today, you’re a disgrace,” the Australian wrote on X.
“That man has literally left his heart and soul on that court. He’s our greatest champion in Melbourne, and he’s injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!!”
Sadly, this was not the first time he had experienced something like this, with Djokovic booed by the US Open crowd in 2024.
Alexander Zverev defends Novak Djokovic whilst still on Australian Open court
Zverev, admirably so, jumped to Djokovic’s defence immediately after their match.
Speaking whilst still on-court, he pleaded with the crowd: “The very first thing I want to say is, please guys, don’t boo when a player is injured.
“I know everyone paid for tickets and wants to see a five-set match, but you have to understand Novak Djokovic is someone who has given absolutely everything to tennis.
“He has won this title with an abdominal tear; he has won this title with a hamstring tear.
“If he cannot continue this match, it means he really cannot continue.”
It was clear that Djokovic was hurt by this reception. After all, he is still the greatest champion in the tournament’s history. Nobody deserves such treatment, but especially not him.
In his post-match press conference, he admitted: “I don’t know what to say.
“People have come and paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get.
“From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to.”
