Djokovic looks back at early videos mocking him, smilingly admits: They were right

Last Sunday, Djokovic received the “Global Sports Personality of the Year” award at the Globe Soccer Awards. His unwavering persistence has repeatedly stunned the world, yet his path hasn’t been easy. Just picture someone asking him directly, “Wait, who exactly are you?” Recently, an old video of commentators ridiculing him reappeared online, but Djokovic once again dismissed it with a smile because they simply misjudged him back then.

This resurfaced video comes from a pre-match report before Djokovic’s breakthrough at the French Open. The Belgrade-born teenager had just won his first Grand Slam main draw match, defeating Robby Ginepri. Though a small step at the time, it hinted at the great story that was about to unfold.

The 18-year-old Djokovic was set to face 2004 French Open finalist Guillermo Coria in the second round. The U.S. broadcast of that match later became a memorable clip. On Monday, during a Q&A session at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, this video was shown live.

In the footage, a commentator introduces him with obvious sarcasm: “Today, Novak Djokovic will take the court, so how much do we really know about this guy?” Her co-host bluntly replies, “Not much.” They then laugh together. Though the tone sounds lighthearted, the implication is clear.

The commentary continues teasingly: “This kid is the youngest player in the draw, just turned 18. He’s tall and skinny, and very ‘hungry.’ When you look at him, you feel he’s hungry both literally and figuratively.” This was just an offhand remark about a then little-known young player.

Djokovic calmly watched the clip and smiled, responding succinctly and powerfully: “She was right; I’m still very hungry.” This response perfectly showcased his sense of humor and revealed the fierce competitive drive that has defined his entire career.

Such mockery did not last long. Djokovic made his Grand Slam debut at the 2005 Australian Open, losing to eventual champion Safin, but his rise had begun and soon became historic. He went on to win a record 24 men’s singles Grand Slam titles and held the world No. 1 ranking for 428 weeks, setting new records.

Even at 38 years old, Djokovic remains active at the highest competitive level. In the 2025 season, he won titles in Geneva and Athens and reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments. His enduring competitiveness still leaves his peers far behind.

In a subsequent interview in Dubai, Djokovic spoke about what drives him to keep competing: “I definitely want to keep going. I’ve said the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a guiding goal. But honestly, there is no real limit. We’ll see how it goes, you know what I mean, I just keep playing. I love hitting the ball, truly love it, and I love competing.”

“I’ve also told some great football players I’ve talked to that it’s all about passion and love. As long as you feel you can maintain a high level and your body allows it, why not continue?”

In another display of his sharp wit, Djokovic recently had a brief “exchange” with a commentator during this year’s Australian Open that clearly caught the Australian host off guard. After winning in the round of 16, the ten-time Australian Open champion refused the customary on-court interview and addressed the decision for the first time. This sparked immediate attention and widespread discussion.

Djokovic defeated Czech player Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6, advancing to the quarterfinals to face third seed Alcaraz. Despite the convincing win, public focus quickly shifted from the match itself to his post-match demeanor.

Soon after, Djokovic explained on social media why he declined the on-court interview. He said it was a deliberate choice and accused a “well-known sports journalist” on Australia’s official broadcaster Channel Nine of making insulting remarks about him and Serbian fans during the live broadcast.

Djokovic pointed out that neither the journalist nor Channel Nine issued a public apology at the time, so he chose to refuse interviews with that network. “A journalist working for Australia’s Channel Nine mocked Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments about me. Afterwards, he made no public apology, nor did Channel Nine. Since they are the official broadcaster, I chose not to participate in interviews with Channel Nine,” Djokovic said in a video posted on platform X.

The journalist involved was later identified as 63-year-old Tony Jones. Jones subsequently issued an apology statement, saying he contacted Djokovic and his team on Saturday. He explained that he thought his remarks were “joking banter” without any intent to offend.

Jones had previously mocked a group of Serbian fans during the broadcast, saying, “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak, he’s past his prime. Novak, get him out of here.” Afterwards, he stated: “They (the Serbian fans) came with flags, bringing so much color and passion. There was a joking atmosphere, so I thought what I said was just an extension of that banter. But clearly, it wasn’t understood that way. So, I feel I let down the Serbian fans.”

Looking ahead, Djokovic will start his new season at the Adelaide International on January 12, followed by the Australian Open beginning January 19. With a chance to claim a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, do you think he can triumph again in Melbourne this time?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)