Tennis legend Roger Federer reveals all about his early lack of respect for Novak Djokovic.
Federer claims that at first, he did not think Djokovic was particularly exceptional.
A nice guy who became the hunted and was unable to pretend to be a bad boy or to despise his rivals in order to get an advantage, all the while worrying about how to maintain his position as the leader. These are some of the main take-aways from the Roger Federer documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days, a Prime Video documentary capturing the tennis great’s emotional retirement in 2022.
Similar to Federer’s incredible twenty-four-year career that produced twenty Grand Slam victories, this behind-the-scenes look at his impending tennis retirement is painstakingly organized and well-rehearsed, with all the necessary boxes checked. The original plan for the video was to serve as a memento for Federer’s close friends and family, who watch him rehearse his parting speech before he officially leaves the game. The footage was never supposed to be publicized.
The documentary delves deeper into some of Federer’s on-court rivalries but does not contain any major revelations. At first, he wasn’t keen on Rafa Nadal‘s rapid explosion on the world tennis scene.
Regarding his early unease with the Spaniard, Federer explains, “I liked being at the top alone.” If Nadal’s arrival unsettled him, it was nothing compared to Novak Djokovic‘s entry.
Although the Swiss champion acknowledged a brief shift in his demeanor to project an impression of aggression, the brazen and combative Serb embodied all that Federer was not. Did I have to cry out, scream, and sweat more? Though it was all an act, I tried. Federer claims that was not who she was.
While acknowledging that he underestimated Djokovic’s ability, he took a lot longer to get along with the Serbian than he did with Nadal. “Even though there was some hype around him, I wasn’t really fully convinced,” Federer recalls following his first meeting with Djokovic in 2006.
“I think I didn’t give Novak the respect he deserved because of his technical flaws. I felt like Novak had a very extreme forehand grip and his backhand for me wasn’t as fluid as it is nowadays. But then he ironed those things out super well and became an unbelievable monster of a player.”
The rivalry between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic is discussed.
Federer shares his opinions on the reasons why Djokovic’s original fan base divided as well. “I presume he was the trespasser among Rafa and Roger’s followers,” he remarks.
Given how deeply Rafa and Roger loved each other, many likely thought they did not need a third guy when Novak arrived. With Roger and Rafael, we are content. Novak entered the room with a commanding presence and an incredible determination to succeed at any costs.”
