How tennis’ greatest player Novak Djokovic became world’s most divisive sportsman – from vaccine row to injury boos
How tennis’ greatest player Novak Djokovic became world’s most divisive sportsman – from vaccine row to injury boos
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NOVAK DJOKOVIC is undoubtedly men's tennis' greatest ever player. Statistically, there can be no doubt. He's won the most Major titles (24), Masters titles (40), year-end championships (seven), and has spent a staggering, record-breaking 428 weeks as world No.1.
![[Novak Djokovic giving a thumbs up to the crowd after a tennis match in Melbourne.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/novak-djokovic-serbia-acknowledges-crowd-966205752.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Serb has also done incredible philanthropic work off the court, with his foundation having built more than 50 schools, while he was appointed a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador in 2015. So having given tennis so much on and off the court, why does he continue to be disrespected by so many fans around the world?.
![[Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic shaking hands after a tennis match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/alamy-live-news-image-part-966206179_e94335.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Having fought through the pain barrier to beat Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-finals, Djokovic was forced to retire after losing a gruelling 80-minute first set to Alexander Zverev earlier today. As he trudged off the court, the 37-year-old was met by boos from members of the Rod Laver Arena crowd. Really?.
![[Novak Djokovic bending down to pick up a tennis ball.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/www-youtube-com-watch-v-966289102.jpg?strip=all&w=720)
During his on-court interview, Zverev pleaded with spectators not to boo injured players, while mentioning that Djokovic is the player on tour that he respects most. This kind of treatment from spectators is nothing new for Djokovic, who notably clashed with the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon last year during and after his round four tussle with Holger Rune.
![[Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer holding their Wimbledon trophies.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/serbias-novak-djokovic-left-switzerlands-661413032.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
So why has Djokovic received this kind of treatment around the world during his incredible career? SunSport takes a closer look at the complex world of the sport's greatest ever champion. SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the darlings of the ATP Tour for the best part of 20 years.
![[Novak Djokovic attending to a lineswoman injured by a tennis ball.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/novak-djokovic-serbia-checks-linesman-606573789.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
