Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

“I Am Novak Djokovic”: Gilles Simon on How Authenticity Earned Tennis’s Most Polarizing Star Respect

Simon shares how Djokovic, once criticized, ultimately earned respect across the tennis world.

Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Former world No. 6 Gilles Simon praised Novak Djokovic in a recent interview with RG Media and Clay, saying the 24-time Grand Slam champion earned widespread respect by staying unapologetically true to himself, even when it made him unpopular early in his career.

From Villain to G.O.A.T.: The Evolution of Novak Djokovic

Simon didn’t hold back in his admiration, crediting Djokovic’s authenticity as the reason behind his eventual embrace by fans. “He was the ‘villain’ early on, but here’s what I admire the most. He’s true to himself. For example, refusing the vaccine even if it meant giving up Slam records. He didn’t fake it.

In the beginning, he tried to please everyone, get more attention, and that came off as inauthentic. Eventually, he said, ‘This is who I am. I’m Novak Djokovic. Like me or not, I know who I am.’ That stance earned him respect.”

“Novak’s earned the respect, and now he’s even getting love from fans and the whole tennis world. That wasn’t there in the beginning.”

Rafa vs Roger in terms of talent, coaching, Djokovic’s authenticity…

I spoke to Gilles Simon ⁦@_claymagazine⁩ 👇 https://t.co/Rp33dy4HKN
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) June 25, 2025

Simon further added that Djokovic’s ambition to surpass Federer and Nadal initially struck many as arrogance. “When he said he wanted to break Roger’s and Rafa’s records, people thought it was arrogant. But now that he’s done it, you have to tip your hat. He’s earned the respect, and now he’s even getting love from fans and the whole tennis world. That wasn’t there in the beginning.”

The Third Man: Making of the Big Three

For nearly two decades, the Big Three, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, dominated men’s tennis, collecting a combined 66 Grand Slam titles. Federer led early, following his Wimbledon breakthrough in 2003. But Nadal’s arrival in 2005, with his maiden French Open title, quickly reshaped the sport. For a time, they were the Big Two, until Djokovic entered the scene.

“Remember, Roger was the most loved player, maybe ever. And most fans didn’t like Rafa when he showed up,” Simon recalled. “But they started liking him more when Novak came on the scene. I’m 100% sure of it. Rafa became more appreciated once fans started comparing him to Novak instead of Roger.”

Gilles Simon claims fans truly embraced Rafa Nadal only after Novak Djokovic entered the rivalry. See what else Simon reveals here 👉 https://t.co/aZkwjSbJPx pic.twitter.com/N1ZcCs7nvr
— RG (@TheRGMedia) June 25, 2025

Djokovic claimed his first major at the 2008 Australian Open and gradually began rewriting the record books. He eventually surpassed both rivals in titles and longevity.

“Novak was already better than most when he arrived, but he was still behind Roger and Rafa. I don’t think many people believed he’d surpass them, not even Roger and Rafa themselves. So when he started doing it, people didn’t like it. Everyone loved the Roger–Rafa rivalry. They didn’t want a third guy.”

Throughout the resistance, Djokovic’s steady rise and his refusal to compromise his identity helped shift the narrative. Today, he stands at the top with 24 Grand Slam titles, ahead of Nadal’s 22 and Federer’s 20.

Also Read: The 2025 Women’s Wimbledon Championships: Schedule, Top Seeds, Draw & More

Gilles Simon

Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.