In a shocking twist that has sent tremors through the tennis world, Srdjan Djokovic — father of tennis great Novak Djokovic — has launched a verbal missile aimed directly at Roger Federer, accusing the Swiss icon of “mistreating” his son during the early years of his career. The elder Djokovic’s words weren’t just harsh — they were a scorched-earth bombshell that has left fans and analysts reeling.

The 8 Words That Set It All Off

During a fiery television interview with Serbian media outlet RTS, Srdjan Djokovic dropped a jaw-dropping line that ignited instant global attention:

“Federer never respected Novak. He feared him.”

Those eight words immediately went viral, dominating headlines across sports news platforms. The implications? Federer — long regarded as the epitome of class and sportsmanship — may have had a darker side, especially when dealing with emerging rivals who threatened his dominance.

A History of Tension Revisited

While Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have shared countless epic battles on court, ranging from Wimbledon classics to tense Australian Open finals, there has long been speculation that the relationship between the two legends was never warm off the court.

Srdjan’s latest comments seem to confirm what many fans have whispered about for years: Federer allegedly treated Novak with disdain during his rise to the top. According to Srdjan, Federer looked down on the young Serbian, refused to acknowledge his talent, and made no effort to help him integrate into the elite circles of the ATP Tour.

“He saw my son as a threat from day one,” Srdjan stated. “Instead of guiding him, he ignored and belittled him. That’s not the behavior of a true champion.”

Federer Camp Stays Silent — For Now

At the time of publishing, neither Roger Federer nor his team has issued a formal response to the explosive accusation. However, insiders close to the Swiss maestro have called the comments “regrettable” and “unnecessary,” especially considering that Federer has now retired from professional tennis and maintains a more private, philanthropic lifestyle.

Federer’s image has always been one of grace and humility, making these claims all the more stunning. If true, they could dramatically reshape the public’s perception of one of tennis’ most beloved figures.

Fan Reactions: Divided and Fierce

As expected, social media exploded in the wake of the interview. #FedererVsDjokovic trended worldwide, with fans taking passionate stances on both sides. Djokovic loyalists praised Srdjan for “finally speaking the truth,” while Federer fans rushed to defend their icon, accusing Srdjan of bitterness and attempting to rewrite history.

“I always knew something was off between them,” one user tweeted. “Federer’s coldness toward Novak was obvious at times.”

Others were more skeptical:

“This is a cheap shot. Federer never needed to fear anyone — he earned everything with class.”

A Deeper Wound?

This isn’t the first time Srdjan Djokovic has made headlines with fiery comments. Known for his fierce protectiveness of his son, Srdjan has previously taken swipes at Rafael Nadal, the ATP, and even Australian authorities during the visa scandal of 2022. But this latest outburst may be the most damaging — not just to Federer’s reputation, but to the fragile peace among the “Big Three” fanbases.

What’s Next?

With Novak Djokovic still active and chasing more Grand Slam titles in 2025, all eyes are now on whether he will comment on his father’s accusations — or stay silent. Will this ignite a new wave of rivalry and debate? Or will it fade into another footnote in tennis’s ongoing soap opera?

One thing is clear: Srdjan Djokovic’s 8-word bombshell didn’t just stir the pot — it turned the tennis world upside down.

Stay tuned.