What Roger said was the truth,Novak wasn’t that great a player in the initial few years, he became a “monster” only after 211 no reason for Novak fans to get irked

1. Roger is Federer reveals his honest opinion on a young Novak Djokovic and admits he lacked respect

Ewan West 11 Jun 2024 5:50 PM

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in 2006

Roger Federer has made the honest confession that he did not give Novak Djokovic “the respect he deserved” when the Serbian first emerged as a challenger.

 

The Swiss icon admitted he was not “fully convinced” by the hype around a young Djokovic as he feels his future rival had “technical flaws” in his game.

 

Federer and Djokovic formed one of the greatest ever tennis rivalries, with the Serbian winning 27 of their 50 matches between 2006 and 2020 before the Swiss retired in 2022.

 

The duo first met in the opening round of the 2006 Monte Carlo Masters, when Federer, who was the world No 1, prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 against Djokovic, who had come through qualifying.

 

There appeared to be an edge to the pair’s relationship during their rivalry, particularly in the years following Djokovic’s arrival on tour.

 

Speaking in the new Amazon Prime documentary, Federer: Twelve Final Days, Federer candidly recalled his early impressio

n of Djokovic.