So what's the real reason why the crowd never cheers for Djokovic?

D

Deleted member 688153

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The issue is not really on Novak's end IMO.
People just prefer Fedal for whatever reason, and because the majority of the crowd are Federer or Nadal fans, they're not going to cheer for Fedal's main rival, even if Fedal are not out there as well.
That's how most hardcore fans think, and they're the ones who mostly show up to the tournaments.

As for myself, I always give all players plenty of applause when I'm actually there.
I don't stay quiet for anyone (even Fed's opponents), as I consider that to be quite rude and disrespectful.

Whoever is playing, and whatever I think of them, both players are out there playing a punishing sport and (usually - looking at you, Tomic) giving it their all.
Doesn't mean I always like the result - sometimes I'm fuming, like Federer vs. Nadal AO 2014, but I was still applauding Rafa for his insane effort all the same.
I have never booed or whistled Fedalovic.

My hands hurt after those Djokovic/Stan AO matches in 2013/2014 though, sooo much clapping.
 
maruzo

maruzo

Semi-Pro
CYGS said:
That's why his 10 slams are worth more than Federer's 17 slams, because he had to overcome obnoxious crowds while Fed didn't.
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LOL omg.

Right, 10 is always better than 17.

You are so holy, sir. Your man is so holy. You must walk on holy water at all times.
 
MotoboXer

MotoboXer

Professional
Screaming smashing cursing aloud at crowds/kids is only part of the equation, then he would always do the total flip/flop with the dancing joking impressions
and those two opposite ends of the spectrum was all the fakeness that people needed to see.
and oh yeah those injury time-outs ..
 
cc0509

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman said:
The issue is not really on Novak's end IMO.
People just prefer Fedal for whatever reason, and because the majority of the crowd are Federer or Nadal fans, they're not going to cheer for Fedal's main rival, even if Fedal are not out there as well.
That's how most hardcore fans think, and they're the ones who mostly show up to the tournaments.
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Yes it really is! It has little to do with the fact that Djokovic is not Fedal and is more about how Djokovic acted early on, how he acts now on court and the small remainder is that he's from an unpopular Eastern bloc country. Oh and his tennis style is machine-like. I like both Federer and Nadal. I've made my peace with Nadal and the damage he's done to Federer's career over the years. I've warmed up to him but I find it difficult to do the same for Djokovic because of the things I've just mentioned.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

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cc0509 said:
Yes it really is! It has little to do with the fact that Djokovic is not Fedal and is more about how Djokovic acted early on, how he acts now on court and the small remainder is that he's from an unpopular Eastern bloc country. Oh and his tennis style is machine-like. I like both Federer and Nadal. I've made my peace with Nadal and the damage he's done to Federer's career over the years. I've warmed up to him but I find it difficult to do the same for Djokovic because of the things I've just mentioned.
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I don't think many folks can be that bothered about stuff which happened years ago.
Novak is a completely different guy now, it's like saying Federer is a hothead when that stopped being true before Wimby even changed the grass.
I find it very hard to believe that entire crowds of people, year after year, would continue to be so petty as you seem to suggest.
Look at McEnroe and Connors, they were damn popular, and they behaved far worse.

I think it's more likely that most folks simply already have an allegiance. Most of us do.
Okay, so Novak hasn't exactly been doing much to actively woo new supporters, and his behaviour probably isn't actively attracting people, but as a tennis fan who does not really support Djokovic, I can tell you now that I still ultimately care little if he breaks a few racquets and makes some noise when things don't go his way.
Half the tour does that.

Maybe his style? I dunno.
But I don't think his behaviour is that much of an issue for would-be supporters.

As for his country of origin, why would/does that matter to so many people?
It's got nothing to do with tennis at all.
Again, if this stuff is an issue to many (which I doubt) they're being really petty.
 
cc0509

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman said:
I don't think many folks can be that bothered about stuff which happened years ago.
Novak is a completely different guy now, it's like saying Federer is a hothead when that stopped being true before Wimby even changed the grass.
I find it very hard to believe that entire crowds of people, year after year, would continue to be so petty as you seem to suggest.
Look at McEnroe and Connors, they were damn popular, and they behaved far worse.

I think it's more likely that most folks simply already have an allegiance. Most of us do.
Okay, so Novak hasn't exactly been doing much to actively woo new supporters, and his behaviour probably isn't actively attracting people, but as a tennis fan who does not really support Djokovic, I can tell you now that I still ultimately care little if he breaks a few racquets and makes some noise when things don't go his way.
Half the tour does that.

Maybe his style? I dunno.
But I don't think his behaviour is that much of an issue for would-be supporters.

As for his country of origin, why would/does that matter to so many people?
It's got nothing to do with tennis at all.
Again, if this stuff is an issue to many (which I doubt) they're being really petty.
Click to expand...

The bottom line is if you put all of the things I talked about above together, Djokovic isn't an extremely appealing #1 and likely will never be no matter how many more slams he may win. He doesn't have that "it" factor.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
cc0509 said:
The bottom line is if you put all of the things I talked about above together, Djokovic isn't an extremely appealing #1 and likely will never be no matter how many more slams he may win. He doesn't have that "it" factor.
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I believe that most of those things are negligible, though.
Come on, say 10% of potential fans are turned off by his behaviour, another 20% for his style of play, and 1-2%, unfairly, for his country of origin.
That still leaves seventy odd percent of potential fans to at least be neutral about him.

All available fans have been soaked up by Team Federer and Team Nadal (due in part to the size of their brands as well I reckon).
There are few people left to even consider Djokovic.

I agree that it might not change though, as when Fedal clock off, folks who were their fans will still not like Djokovic because of the rivalry.
That won't magically reset.

But it's because of rivalries, not because he's some horrible unlikeable person/player.
 
cc0509

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman said:
I believe that most of those things are negligible, though.
Come on, say 10% of potential fans are turned off by his behaviour, another 20% for his style of play, and 1-2%, unfairly, for his country of origin.
That still leaves seventy odd percent of potential fans to at least be neutral about him.

All available fans have been soaked up by Team Federer and Team Nadal (due in part to the size of their brands as well I reckon).
There are few people left to even consider Djokovic.
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I'm going to have to disagree with you about that. People always have room for accepting another ATG. Djokovic has forged his own greatness apart from what Federer and Nadal have acheived and he should be a lot more popular by this time. Fedal could retire tomorrow and Djokovic could go on winning big things for years and he still wouldn't be a popular ATG because of the things I've mentioned and he doesn't have that "it" factor.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
cc0509 said:
I'm going to have to disagree with you about that. People always have room for accepting another ATG. Djokovic has forged his own greatness apart from what Federer and Nadal have acheived and he should be a lot more popular by this time. Fedal could retire tomorrow and Djokovic could go on winning big things for years and he still wouldn't be a popular ATG because of the things I've mentioned and he doesn't have that "it" factor.
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What is the "it" factor?

Sorry, but coming from a background of science, I believe things need to be explained (to the best of our abilities). :)
 
cc0509

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman said:
What is the "it" factor?

Sorry, but coming from a background of science, I believe things need to be explained (to the best of our abilities). :)
Click to expand...

The "it" factor is a combo of a pleasing or exciting style of play with an inexplicable but obvious universal charisma. Borg had it. Agassi had it. Certain players have it and most don't. Of course a part of it is subjective opinion but there are certain players who transcend that with the majority of people.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
cc0509 said:
The "it" factor is a combo of a pleasing or exciting style of play with an inexplicable but obvious universal charisma. Borg had it. Agassi had it. Certain players have it and most don't. Of course a part of it is subjective opinion but there are certain players who transcend that with the majority of people.
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I know Djokovic's style of play is rather vanilla, but it does have a smoothness to it which I can appreciate.
That's not it though IMO, people watch to see players win points and win matches, and Novak does plenty of both.
I guess it can look a bit like he's playing the same point over and over, but honestly, at least to the uninitiated, that's what tennis largely looks like anyway if you take a step back.

I can respect and appreciate Djokovic and his playing style both.

Charisma is another issue, but Federer's charisma is questionable and he's by far the most popular player to have ever played.
Again, it's something that, if he had it, may draw folks away from Fedal, but it's Fedal's fault that they're not with him in the first place.

I'm not a fan of Novak, but that's largely because I'm already invested in Fedal and I feel like I would be betraying Roger on some level.
Have to admit his playing style comes into it a bit too though, yeah.
 
cc0509

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman, post: 9766906, member: 688153"

That's not it though IMO, people watch to see players win points and win matches, and Novak does plenty of both.
Click to expand...

But it is part of it because even though he wins a lot his style is so robotic. He doesn't have the raw talent of Federer or the explosiveness of Nadal. Lendl was also super boring and robotic whereas a player like Edberg had more flair. Of course Djokovic is very talented and has his own brand of talent but for some reason his style doesn't inspire people the same way. He should be way more popular given what he's achieved.

I can respect and appreciate Djokovic and his playing style both.
Click to expand...

Oh I respect it but I would never be a big fan.

Charisma is another issue, but Federer's charisma is questionable and he's by far the most popular player to have ever played.
Click to expand...

You see, I think Federer does have charisma. If he didn't there is no way he could be as popular as he is despite his beautiful tennis style.

Have to admit his playing style comes into it a bit too though, yeah.
Click to expand...

Ha ha. HIs playing style is zzzzzzzzzz! :D
 
TheGhostOfAgassi

TheGhostOfAgassi

Talk Tennis Guru
CYGS said:
That's why his 10 slams are worth more than Federer's 17 slams, because he had to overcome obnoxious crowds while Fed didn't.
Click to expand...

How long have you been watching tennis? Do you think Federer always has had this big fanbase? Do you have any idea how it was for him playing Agassi in USO final? Federer and his first at least 6 slams final wins he didn't always have the crowd cheering for him...not at all! But he was so graceful dealing with it he gradually got the biggest fanbase in tennis history. With your ridiculous theory Federer is worthy 22 slams by now. Novak on the other hand with his attics on court and specially the Roddick incident Novak got it all messed up.
 
Last edited:
Noleberic123

Noleberic123

G.O.A.T.
Firstservingman said:
The issue is not really on Novak's end IMO.
People just prefer Fedal for whatever reason, and because the majority of the crowd are Federer or Nadal fans, they're not going to cheer for Fedal's main rival, even if Fedal are not out there as well.
That's how most hardcore fans think, and they're the ones who mostly show up to the tournaments.

As for myself, I always give all players plenty of applause when I'm actually there.
I don't stay quiet for anyone (even Fed's opponents), as I consider that to be quite rude and disrespectful.

Whoever is playing, and whatever I think of them, both players are out there playing a punishing sport and (usually - looking at you, Tomic) giving it their all.
Doesn't mean I always like the result - sometimes I'm fuming, like Federer vs. Nadal AO 2014, but I was still applauding Rafa for his insane effort all the same.
I have never booed or whistled Fedalovic.

My hands hurt after those Djokovic/Stan AO matches in 2013/2014 though, sooo much clapping.
Click to expand...
It can't be. Kyrgios is three times worse but you will never see 99% of the crowd go against him
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Noleberic123 said:
It can't be. Kyrgios is three times worse but you will never see 99% of the crowd go against him
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That's true too.

Again, it's the fact that everyone's already on the Fedal train.
Not because of serious shortcomings on Novak's part, IMO.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Noleberic123 said:
You must admit that people come out with pretty pathetic excuses to hate novak
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Certainly.

If people hate him because he beats Fedal a lot these days, they should just come out and say it, not hide behind the idea that he himself is lacking, which is IMO quite disrespectful.

I have pulled myself into line re: Novak the last year or two, Wimby 2014 initially left me very bitter, but I've made my peace with Djokovic now.
It's nice not hating any players.
 
Noleberic123

Noleberic123

G.O.A.T.
Firstservingman said:
Certainly.

If people hate him because he beats Fedal a lot these days, they should just come out and say it, not hide behind the idea that he himself is lacking, which is IMO quite disrespectful.

I have pulled myself into line re: Novak the last year or two, Wimby 2014 initially left me very bitter, but I've made my peace with Djokovic now.
It's nice not hating any players.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't be mad if they did that. This way I am
 
TheGhostOfAgassi

TheGhostOfAgassi

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman said:
That's true too.

Again, it's the fact that everyone's already on the Fedal train.
Not because of serious shortcomings on Novak's part, IMO.
Click to expand...

Its not only Fedal imo.
Tennis has room for more stars they love. Fedal has set the standards so high and its almost impossible for Novak to get there with the things he has done. Its not major bad things he has done but its enough unfortunately to not letting him have the crowd he deserves.

That being said I wonder when the next tennis star entering a tennis court being as popular as Federer and Nadal reaching stratosphere popularity... How Fedal will handle it being in the shadow of that.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Noleberic123 said:
Yes I do, whys that?
Click to expand...
Because on this forum, there are two ways you can follow someone, via the forum itself, and also separately via Tapatalk.
You were already following me on the forum, and then I got a Tapatalk notification saying you were following me again, a couple of weeks ago.
So I figured that you must also be using the app.

I wonder how many other people are using it?
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
TheGhostOfAgassi said:
Its not only Fedal imo.
Tennis has room for more stars they love. Fedal has set the standards so high and its almost impossible for Novak to get there with the things he has done. Its not major bad things he has done but its enough unfortunately to not letting him have the crowd he deserves.

That being said I wonder when the next tennis star entering a tennis court being as popular as Federer and Nadal reaching stratosphere popularity... How Fedal will handle it being in the shadow of that.
Click to expand...
This too.
We've been spoiled by Fedal.
 
Noleberic123

Noleberic123

G.O.A.T.
Firstservingman said:
Because on this forum, there are two ways you can follow someone, via the forum itself, and also separately via Tapatalk.
You were already following me on the forum, and then I got a Tapatalk notification saying you were following me again, a couple of weeks ago.
So I figured that you must also be using the app.

I wonder how many other people are using it?
Click to expand...
I use tapatalk when I'm bored somewhere where I'm not home and don't have access to my computer :D But yeah I remember following you
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Noleberic123 said:
I use tapatalk when I'm bored somewhere where I'm not home and don't have access to my computer :D But yeah I remember following you
Click to expand...
I use desktop, laptop, phone all interchangeably.
I'm heading out for some grub now, but currently on my laptop.
Guess I'll have to find my phone.
 
RF-18

RF-18

Talk Tennis Guru
cc0509 said:
You've got it all wrong. Djokovic's game IS boring and his antics from years ago DO influence fans' opinion of him. Add his current antics of losing his temper when things aren't going his way and yelling at ball kids and fans, his constant attention-seeking ways and his possum playing and there you have your reasons for his unpopularity. It has nothing to do with the fact that he's beating an out of form Nadal and an aged Federer now. It's all about his style and his antics on court. The fact that he's from Serbia is only a small part of the issue.
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No you are a delusional hater making up stuff.
 
D

Deleted member 688153

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Noleberic123 said:
But she is right. He does have the perfect game for the modern game. It's like a group of scientists gathered in a lab and worked on creating the perfect tennis player. She sounds very knowledgeable about the game by the way. She must be perfect for you!!
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Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil said:
Your girlfriend has good taste. :)
Now I see why you give praise to Djokovic. She must me right next to you when you are typing. :D
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It's nice to have someone who likes the game too, yes.

She knows about this place by the way, but has no intention of making an account.
 
Noleberic123

Noleberic123

G.O.A.T.
Firstservingman said:
It's nice to have someone who likes the game too, yes.

She knows about this place by the way, but has no intention of making an account.
Click to expand...
It was a good idea to change the location of this discussion.

Ahh that's a shame, I don't think there are any female Djokovic fans here?
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Noleberic123 said:
It was a good idea to change the location of this discussion.

Ahh that's a shame, I don't think there are any female Djokovic fans here?
Click to expand...
Incorrect.
I do believe that Noelan is (they said so a week or two ago, apologies if I'm wrong).
 
Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil

Talk Tennis Guru
Firstservingman said:
It's nice to have someone who likes the game too, yes.

She knows about this place by the way, but has no intention of making an account.
Click to expand...
You are lucky, my closest ones thought until few days ago that Djokovic has 2 Wimbledons.
We can always have another member in the Nole family. ;)
Noleberic123 said:
It was a good idea to change the location of this discussion.

Ahh that's a shame, I don't think there are any female Djokovic fans here?
Click to expand...
There is at least one as far as I know...
 
D

Deleted member 688153

Guest
Noleberic123 said:
I wouldn't know. But we do have a Djokovic fan group conversation and I will be sure to find out ahha
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Fair enough.
I always assume everyone on here is a dude until proven otherwise though, it's quite possible that many of the posters I speak to on the regular are in fact girls.
 
Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil

Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil

Talk Tennis Guru
Noleberic123 said:
The Nole family on here has grown in the past year or so. I remember during most of 2014, if was pretty much just Chico, djoko2011 and myself defending Djokovic everywhere
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Wow, that was not fair. One even got banned but I am yet to hear some positive stuff about him.
Noleberic123 said:
5 AOs ;). My family members know these statistics
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Mine don't. They only know the ATP list standings because I do not want to waste my time informing them about the rest. They will erase it tomorrow anyway.
 
Noleberic123

Noleberic123

G.O.A.T.
Firstservingman said:
So do mine (for Federer at least).

Apparently my younger 14yo sister (who doesn't follow tennis) overheard some dude in her PE class saying "Nadal is the best", and she replied "Oh yeah, does he have 17 grand slams"?

Makes me proud.
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That dude probably doesn't know what a grand slam is. By the way all my friends rate Djokovic over Nadal. But not yet Federer LOL
 
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