I used to hate watching Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon – but now I’m a convert

WIMBLEDON — Maybe it’s the summer heat, or the lack of rest, but watching Novak Djokovic walk onto Centre Court brings a lump to the throat. The 38 year old is stepping into his 20th Wimbledon, and it could be his last. He’s already won the tournament seven times, and he’s admitted that this run could be his final shot at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

I want him to do it. I’m unsure if he will, but tennis could certainly use it. Not just to move past Margaret Court’s long-standing record, but to remind the emerging stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and others that the old guard still has something left.

Looking back, it wasn’t always easy to root for Djokovic. Like many fans, I was drawn early on to Federer’s elegance and Nadal’s raw intensity. Djokovic, back then, seemed like an outsider. His frequent mid-match retirements raised doubts. He pulled out of matches while trailing against Nadal at the French Open in 2006, Wimbledon in 2007, and against Roddick in the 2009 Australian Open due to heat exhaustion. The timing always seemed suspect.

In 2009, Djokovic defended himself: “I always retired with a reason.” Still, many weren’t convinced. By the time he rose to No. 1 in 2011, the crowd had already chosen their heroes and Djokovic wasn’t one of them.

Even as his consistency improved and the retirements nearly vanished, fans didn’t fully embrace him. His long ball-bouncing routine, fiery temperament, and on-court dramatics didn’t win hearts like Federer’s finesse or Nadal’s grit.

Then came the pandemic. Djokovic refused the COVID vaccine, saying he supported personal freedom. Though he didn’t call himself anti-vax, the decision sparked controversy, especially after he was deported from Australia before the 2022 Australian Open. At the time, only a small number of players remained unvaccinated, and Djokovic’s stance made global headlines. From my perspective, it was disappointing but not entirely surprising, given Serbia’s lower vaccination rate compared to countries like the UK.

He returned to the sport facing chilly receptions. Yet over time, I found myself warming to him. With Federer and Serena gone by 2022, and Nadal and Murray stepping away in 2024, Djokovic became the last great still standing. He won three majors in 2021 and again in 2023, defeating rising stars and extending his legacy.

He’s also embraced his role more openly mock crying in matches when the crowd cheers his opponent, throwing heart signs after wins. His famous violin gesture, a tribute to his daughter Tara, was misunderstood last year as taunting.

Now, when I see Alcaraz and Gauff, I see youth. When I see Djokovic, I see a legend who’s lasted. He may never win everyone over, but his perseverance, brilliance, and transformation deserve recognition.

As he returns to Centre Court once again, the emotion feels justified. Djokovic may not always be understood, but he has become unforgettable.

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