Novak Djokovic has revealed he felt like an "unwanted child" being compared to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when he emerged as a tennis star.
Djokovic's illustrious 17-year career started by breaking Federer and Nadal's streak of 11 consecutive major wins when he was triumphant in the 2008 Australian Open.
Until Federer's and Nadal's recent retirements, the trio maintained a legendary rivalry and won an astonishing 66 Grand Slams in total.
However, Djokovic has since gone on record to explain how he felt during the rivalry.
Novak Djokovic said he felt 'unwanted' by fans when he began his playing career
Reuters
"I acted and still felt like an unwanted child. I asked myself why that was. It hurt me," Djokovic told Swiss publication 20 Minuten.
The Serbian player, now 38, has become statistically the most successful tennis player of all time, holding the record for most Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic explained that he never received the same affection from fans as his two main rivals for multiple reasons.
"I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I wasn't supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who came along and said, 'I'm going to be number one.' Many people didn't like that," he said.
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Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins with 24 titles
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By the time Djokovic began showing signs of greatness at the start of the 2010s, most tennis fans had already divided into Roger or Rafa camps.
The Serbian player believes he "crashed" their rivalry, disrupting what had become a two-man show at the top of men's tennis.
Djokovic attempted to win over the fans but found his efforts unsuccessful.
"Then I thought the fans would accept me if I acted differently. But that wasn't the case either," he revealed.
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This likely refers to a charm offensive he embarked upon around the middle of his career, including his signature gesture of miming pushing his heart out to each corner of the stadium after victories.
Despite these attempts to connect with audiences, the hurt remained.
"I am a man with many mistakes, of course. Nevertheless, I have always tried to live with heart and good intentions and ultimately be myself," he added.
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Novak Djokovic claimed he tried to act differently to endear himself to the fans
PA
Despite the competitive nature of their rivalries, Djokovic emphasised he never harboured ill feelings towards either player.
"Just because someone is my biggest rival doesn't mean I wish them harm, hate them, or want to do anything else on the court to defeat them. We fought for the win, and the better player won.
"I've always respected both [Nadal] and Federer; I've never said a single bad word about them and never will. I looked up to them and still do," Djokovic said.
However, he acknowledged developing different relationships with each rival.
"But I've always gotten along better with Nadal," he admitted, suggesting a closer bond with the Spaniard than with Federer.
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