'Djokovic Stopped Caring About Being Likeable' Says Azarenka

| by Balasz Virag

Novak Djokovic has had a rocky image among tennis fans ever since he emerged as one of the best players in the world.

While his tennis was always spectacular and nothing short of iconic, his image in the world of tennis has been somewhat shaky. Some of that is his own doing, as he never really backed away from speaking his mind and holding firm to his beliefs no matter how controversial they seemed.

He's never actively pursued controversy but he was never given a fair chance either. He was quite receptive towards the fans and very likeable early on in his career yet never well-liked. It's something that visibly bothered him for a while, but eventually, he just gave up.

He stopped trying to force people to like him, focusing on being as authentic as he could be. Victoria Azarenka talked about the Serb recently on the Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan, and according to the Belarusian, he's more relatable.

What I've noticed and I might be completely wrong, I feel like when he was younger, he wanted to be more likable and now I feel like he just stopped caring. To me, something changed with that there. He's more relatable.

Azarenka on Djokovic
'Improved' Sinner Ready To Take On Djokovic At Wimbledon After 'Learning From Last Year's Lesson'
'Improved' Sinner Ready To Take On Djokovic At Wimbledon After 'Learning From Last Year's Lesson'

Every person has their flaws. That includes Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Azarenka, and the rest of us. He has been quite open about his flaws showing his true self more so than other players. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal cultivated an immaculate image, one that makes Djokovic comparatively look way worse than he really is, so much so that he's been called a villain.

He's been painted, I don't know, like, a villian so many times. This is where I can understand him, where there is a double standard for some people and I think for him to maintain a good image, he needs to do so much more than Rafa and Roger.

In my eyes and probably many many people's eyes, Roger can do no wrong. Rafa can do no wrong. Everything about them is supportive. He [Djokovic]? He is always climbing uphill.

It's unfortunate for Djokovic because he generally tries to do his best. It's why the dynamic with Kyrgios is so fascinating. From 'mortal enemies' to good friends simply because Kyrgios spoke up for him during his Australian Open visa drama.

The outpouring embrace from Djokovic towards Kyrgios showed an individual who almost seems to yearn for approval as if those rejections from earlier in his career never left him.

'Hero Dressed As A Villain': Djokovic Applauded For His Impact By Millman
'Hero Dressed As A Villain': Djokovic Applauded For His Impact By Millman

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