On March 25, 2025, the world of tennis was again in turmoil, this time not because of a match, but because of a shock statement by Srdjan Djokovic, the father of the Serbian Superstar Novak Djokovic. In an interview with the Serbian newspaperBlic,Srdjan dropped a verbal bomb that has even more tense the already tense relationship between his son and Roger Federer, the Swiss idol of tennis. In just eight concise words – “Federer treated Novak as a less than nothing” – he sparked a wave of indignation, surprise and a heated debate that has divided the tennis community. This statement, which seems to result from years of silent resentment, left speech fans and experts.

Srdjan Djokovic is known for his frank and often controversial remarks, but this time he crossed a line that even his detractors had not anticipated. The interview took place shortly after the recent triumph of Novak in Miami, where he won his seventh title and broke Federer’s record for the greatest number of Masters 1000 titles. If Novak himself remains publicly reserved for his rivalry with Federer, his father does not seem to hesitate to revive old wounds. “Roger never respected my son,” said Srdjan. “He treated him as a less than nothing, even if Novak proved that he was better. »»

The accusation apparently referred to the longtime rivalry between Djokovic and Federer, which covers 50 games, of which Djokovic won 27 victories. Match like the 2019 Wimbledon final, where Djokovic beat Federer in an epic thriller in five sets, pushing two match balls, are particularly memorable. At the time, it had been reported that Federer seemed cold and distant after the match, which Srdjan performed today as proof of a deeper aversion. “He couldn’t bear that Novak exceeds him,” he said, adding: “His arrogance only strengthened Novak. »»

The reaction on social networks has been explosive. Federer fans vehemently defended their hero, calling Srdjan’s words “ridiculous” and “unworthy”. “Roger is a gentleman, he has always treated Novak equity,” wrote one user on X. Others stressed that Federer often spoke in good djokovic in interview, as when he described him as “one of the greatest of all time” in 2023. But the Djokovic supporters saw in the declaration of Srdjan the confirmation of the confirmation Federer and his entourage had never granted Novak the recognition he deserved. “Roger has always underestimated Novak, and now he pays the price,” commented a fan triumphantly.

Experts are divided on the motivations of Srdjan’s declaration. Boris Becker, former Djokovic coach, saidat Eurosport: “Srdjan exaggerates, but there is a background of truth. Federer has never really accepted Novak as an equal. Others, like the Swiss journalist René Stauffer, refuted this assertion: “Roger respected Novak, even if he did not love him. This is tennis, not friendship. “In fact, Federer criticized the atypical style and domination of Djokovic in the past, for example when he complained of the noisy support of Djokovic fans in 2019. But” treated as a less than nothing “? This seems to be an exaggeration that reflects Srdjan’s emotions rather than reality.

The story dates back to the beginnings of Djokovic’s career. When Federer and Rafael Nadal dominated the world of tennis, Djokovic was often perceived as an outsider, polarizing by his aggressive play and his intransigent attitude. Srdjan said on several occasions that his son was deliberately lowered by the tennis elite, Federer in the lead. “They didn’t want him at the top, but he beat them all,” he said during the interview. For him, Federer’s behavior is a personal affront that goes beyond a simple sports rivalry.

Novak himself has not yet commented on his father’s statements, which is typical of him. He has often minimized Srdjan’s outbursts in the past, as when he had called Nadal and Federer as “vain” in 2020. But the tension between him and Federer remains palpable. Their recent meetings, such as the Australian 2020 Open, were marked by an icy atmosphere, and Federer has little sought to contact Djokovic since his retirement in 2022, unlike his close friendship with Nadal.

The world of tennis is now wondering if Federer will respond to this provocation. The Swiss, who has devoted himself to charitable works and his family since his retirement, is known for his reluctance to engage in public controversy. But Srdjan’s words could make him angry, especially since they affect his reputation as a loyal sportsman. For Djokovic fans, the case is clear: Srdjan said loud and clear what many thought. For Federer’s supporters, it is a new proof of the “disrespect” of the Djokovic camp. If the debate is raging, one thing remains certain: this rivalry is more lively than ever, even years after Federer’s retirement.