By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, January 19, 2024

Novak Djokovic has unleashed the warrior inside successful 24 Grand Slam titles. 

The Grand Slam king mentioned his emotional exuberance rubbed Roger Federer the improper method at the beginning of his profession.

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Reflecting on his youthful years after sweeping Tomas Martin Etcheverry within the Australian Open third spherical, Djokovic mentioned stating his mission assertion of reaching the world No. 1 rating and successful Grand Slams aggravated Federer and different veterans.

"I mean, I know certainly Federer didn't like the way I was behaving at the beginning," Djokovic advised the media in Melbourne. "I think it didn't sit with him well. I don't know about the others.

"I suppose I wasn't the favourite kind of man to among the prime guys as a result of I used to be not afraid to say that I wish to be the perfect participant on this planet. I used to be sort of - not sort of - I used to be assured, and I felt like I've the sport to again it up."

Certainly, the 36-year-old Serbian superstar has shown his self-belief is self-warranted surpassing both Federer and Djokovic on the all-time Grand Slam list.

Despite those early clashes with the Swiss Maestro, Djokovic said there is always mutual respect.

"I by no means, ever lacked respect. Whenever I begin a match, earlier than the match or end the match, I'd at all times greet the opponent, at all times acknowledge," Djokovic said. "Respect is one thing that I used to be taught that must be current regardless of what's occurring.

"Obviously on the court a lot of things can happen in a kind of heat of a battle. It was very long time ago now, 20 years since I made my first debut I think on the professional tour. It's really hard to say who liked me more or less. I think I named one, so I don't know. I can't recall others."

In the long term, criticism from veterans fueled Djokovic's need.

In a little bit of a task reversal, Djokovic mocked US Open semifinal opponent Ben Shelton after defeating the younger American in Arthur Ashe Stadium final September. Djokovic mimicked Shelton's famed hang-up gesture saying after he did not respect Shelton's brash gesture.

“It was a reaction against him, he did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match,” Djokovic advised L'Equipe earlier this month. “If anyone one places himself in the unsportsmanlike zone, I react.”

us once they name about our automotive’s prolonged guarantee.pic.twitter.com/M39UlKWfxu

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2023

Novak Djokovic hangs up the cellphone on Ben. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/AvMD9kPY2N

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2023

COLD ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ https://t.co/IeWH6GtAFj

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 9, 2023

Shelton smiled off Djokovic's jab in his post-match presser saying "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Asked concerning the incident on the Australian Open, Djokovic, who will face Twentieth-seeded Adrian Mannarino in the fourth spherical after the Frenchman edged Shelton, mentioned he respects Shelton's self-confidence however discovered the hang-up "annoying."

"As far as Shelton's level of confidence and coming out, I don't mind that actually at all. I think it's great," Djokovic mentioned. "You got to believe. I'm all for that. I support 100% a young player coming out on the court, like Prizmic did the other night against me, and Shelton is doing coming out believing in his capabilities that he can challenge the best players in the world. I don't dislike that at all.

"But there's clearly some sort of line, non-visible line, of acceptable conduct I suppose in direction of the opposite participant. If a participant steps over that line, then clearly it begins being annoying. That's if you react or you do not react, no matter. It simply relies upon.

"But I'm all for young players showing confidence and speaking, always with respect, towards the older guys who are on the tour, but being confident in themselves and their tennis."

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