Tennis News: Novak Djokovic Not Bothered That Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer Are More Popular

Despite being ranked number on in the world, Novak Djokovic still lags behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the popularity contest in their sport. However, the Serbian doesn’t mind that the Spaniard and Swiss are ahead of him in the eyes of the tennis fans saying he likes it better because it allows him to be successful in his own pace and it brings less pressure.

“Given their long-term success, Federer and Nadal are still the two most popular players although I am the world number one. But I hold nothing against anyone for that, to the contrary,” the 27 year old Serbian star said to Reuters. “It enables me to grow in a different way devoid of a certain kind of pressure. “I wouldn’t say that I am not respected enough abroad and although I don’t always look back at criticism that comes my way, I am aware that it’s part of the process because it offers a different perspective.”

Nadal, ranked fourth in the world and Federer, second to Djokovic in the current world rankings have more Grand Slam titles than the Serbian. Federer holds the all-time record with 17 majors titles with four at the Australian Open, one at the French Open, seven at the Wimbledon Championships and five at the US Open. Nadal has 14 majors titles with one at the Australian Open, nine at the French Open and two each at the Wimbledon Championships and US Open. For Djokovic, he has eight majors titles thus far with five at the Australian Open, two at the Wimbledon Championships and one at the US Open. The Serbian has yet to win a title at the French Open.

In the same interview Djokovic said that he wants to be his” own man” and that personality shows on the court. Djokovic is currently competing at the 2015 Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Serbian beat Andrey Golubev in the second round, 6-1 6-2 to advance to the quarter-final against Marsel Ilhan.

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