After winning the US Open 2023 title, Novak Djokovic made a bold claim and stated that if he was not a Serbian, the Western world would have celebrated him more than what he is now, ‘elevated to the heavens’. Djokovic is never afraid to speak his mind, however controversial it might be. This statement from the Serbian has raised eyebrows and fans on social media have been citing the example of the Serbian NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic enjoyed a successful season helping the Nuggets to their first Championship in franchise history. He has cemented his place as one of the best players around winning 2 MVPs so far.
Novak Djokovic sparks debate
Speaking to the Serbian media after his resounding US Open win, Djokovic was asked if he considers himself to be the best athlete to all time. The Serbian’s response led to varied opinion as he said he might have been considered the best athlete of all time way back if he belonged to the Western world.
Djokovic admitted that he is a proud Serbian and loves his country and background. However, he suggested that if he wasn’t Serbian, people would have recognized his achievements more. The Serbian superstar feels that the Western world would have considered him the greatest athlete ever if he belonged to that part of the world. However, he is fine with how he is seen around the world.
“The fact is that if I weren’t from Serbia, many years ago I would have been praised to the heavens from a sports perspective internationally, especially in the West. But it’s OK. That’s part of my life journey. I’m grateful I’m from Serbia.” — @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/SwjMtxWtRx
— Aleks Djuricic (@AleksDjuricic) September 11, 2023
Djokovic’s comments received mixed response with some people drawing comparison with another Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic. Jokic is a two time NBA MVP and won the NBA title recently with the Nuggest.
Nikola Jokic has won 2 MVP’s in the NBA and is considered the best, if not one of the best players in todays game. Nobody cared that he was Serbian. Stop playing the race victim card.
— M (@maxlaymansterms) September 12, 2023
I genuinely don’t think 99% of tennis fans care about the nationality of the player. They care more about their personality and playing style.
Novak was just unfortunate to be the one who dethroned two of the most loved players of all time. That’s it, really.— Omar (@OmarAbdulgani) September 12, 2023
Victim syndrome
— KC (@kci2013) September 12, 2023
Real Champs are Champions also in Attitude,
Sportsmanship, Ethics, Humility… Novak has none of them. Not much research is needed: Pele, Michael Jordan, U.Bolt, etc… Novak doesn’t come close, but he thinks he’s the best of all in Universe…— Jorge W Queiroz (@JORGEQUEIROZxox) September 12, 2023
The victim complex is ingrained in every Serbian. Novak is no exception.
— Ju flet Tirana (@Ju_flet_Tirana) September 12, 2023
While some fans’ were critical of Djokovic’s statement, others agreed with the Serbian. Many felt that Djokovic has a point and should have spoken about it earlier.
He’s spot on with this. Unfortunately, it’s the world we live in.
— David Willmer (@Dave_Willmer) September 12, 2023
Actually. So true. Serbia doesn’t fit the fairytale they like to sell, it doesn’t have a pretty past, it wasn’t in the inner circle, it doesn’t suit the agenda.
He’s an absolute legend and hero to every serb out there.
— Mischief Managed ⚡️ (@user_1_1) September 12, 2023
Hi Novak
The fact that you come from Serbia has got nothing to do with whether you are liked or respected as a sports personality or not.
I don’t know who spoke that nonsense into your head.#NovakDjokovic #Djokovic #tennis @atptour #ATP #atptour #USOpen #USOpen2023 🇷🇸🎾🏆
— #leighslounge (@Leighslounge) September 12, 2023
Exactly why I’ve been supporting this man for 15+ years. Many of us identify with being treated that way he gets treated because of where he’s from
— Gudu Kassa የቀድሞው ስርአት ናፋቂ (@GuduKassa102) September 11, 2023
Finally he is speaking about this..i love it
— Shriram (@Shriram008) September 11, 2023
This is one of the reasons I became so obsessed with this tennis LEGEND. He’s name is Novak from the Balkans. 👑👑👑
— Nyambose (@Nyambos60235069) September 12, 2023
One has to congratulate Novak for choosing the more difficult path in his career. By refusing to get citizenship of some western country not only he showed his patriotic feelings but started the battle for regaining the respect for our country within the international community👏
— Mira Vidojevic (@MiraBelgrade) September 11, 2023
People have been drawing comparison between Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic, the two Serbians who have dominated their respective sport. Even Shaq O’Neal was full of praise for Serbia for producing such world class athletes.
The relationship between Djokovic and Jokic
The two Serbian superstars, Djokovic and Jokic enjoy a friendly relationship. Both Djokovic and Jokic were born in what was then Yugoslavia, before the country split up due to political strife. Djokovic was born in Belgrade, while Jokic was born in Sombor.
Djokovic and Jokic, both began playing sports at a young age and grew to popularity in their twenties: Djokovic was 16 when he turned professional in 2003, and Jokic was 18 when he was drafted by the Nuggets in 2012.
Jokic has enjoyed success with Nuggets as he helped guide them to a first ever NBA title and claimed the MVP award in process. Djokovic was quick to congratulate his fellow Serbian and posted a picture on his social media sporting a Jokic jersey while practicing. Djokovic later sent in a congratulatory video for Jokic on winning the MVP award in NBA.
