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From “Nobody” To 23 Grand Slams: A Novak Djokovic Anecdote
14 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Today Novak Djokovic sits on the throne as the greatest tennis player who ever lived. But his early years as a professional athlete were a stark contrast to the legendary status he has now achieved.
Here is an interesting anecdote from the mental coach of former ATP champion of Scottsdale and top 15 player Vince Spadea…
John Murray: “I’ll tell you a story about the tennis greatest of all time. I was coaching Vince Spadea in Adelaide, Australia around 2007 (yes it was 2007 when Novak was 19) and Vince did pretty well, losing in quarters, but there was this tall Serbian kid who had never won a tournament (actually Novak won two ATP titles in 2006 in Metz and Amersfoort). I was using the players lounge computer to send emails, and had to keep trading off with this Serbian who had a lot of emails to send too. After a while it became kind of irritating, as it seemed he was constantly asking me when I’d be finished. Later I whispered to Vince, and asked him who that player is. Vince replied, “No idea … probably some nobody.” And Vince was right. He was nobody at the time, but he won that tournament and it was his first (actually third) career win on the ATP Tour. Turns out, that nobody was none other than Novak Djokovic!”
At Adelaide in 2007 Djokovic, who was already ranked 16 in the world, defeated Jan Hajek, Alun Jones, Paul Goldstein, Joachim Johansson (all in straight sets) and Chris Guccione in the final 63 67 64 to win the title.
At the 2007 Australian Open a week later, Djokovic beat Nico Massu, Feli Lopez and Danai Udomchoke before losing to world no. 1 Roger Federer in the round of 16, 26 57 36.
Djokovic soon emerged as a rising young star by reaching the finals of Indian Wells, where he lost to Rafael Nadal 26 57. Then two weeks later Djokovic won Miami by beating Guillermo Canas in the final 63 62 64. In Miami, Djokovic beat Nadal in the QF 63 64 – his first victory vs Nadal after two earlier losses at French Open 2006 and Indian Wells 2007. This title victory in Miami vaulted Djokovic into the top 10 for the first time and the former “nobody” became an ATP elite.
And now 16 years later Novak Djokovic, who no longer needs to share internet with a random mental coach, is the undisputed greatest champion of tennis history, winner of 23 Grand Slams, once again world no. 1 and earner of over $169m in prize money.
Adelaide · Novak Djokovic · Vince Spadea
Cyndy · June 12, 2023 at 10:05 pm
Lovely to read this extra piece of information about Djokovic Scoop Maliknowski., nice of you to share. Really enjoyed watching the RG matches this time round and for a change without Nadal. So glad that Djokovic won it and a coveted number 23 too. Lots of wonderful fan support too. He’s really a blueprint for other players and I’m sure a few will try to follow him. I saw Nadals congratulatory msg to him but haven’t seen Mr Federers .. did you?
Scoop Malinowski · June 13, 2023 at 7:12 am
Thanks Cyndy, I love to learn early memories and stories about the big champs like Djokovic and it shows how he really was a dark horse underdog who conquered the world against all odds. More inspiring story than any other in tennis and there are many. Watching Novak win this Grand Slam – I’ve never watched anything better in sports. No word from Federer yet and it’s very disappointing, Federer is losing respect and honor by how he mistreats his (fake) friend and Laver Cup teammate. Djokovic has done everything possible to create a friendship with Federer but Federer will not return the respect. This is reducing Roger’s status. Pete Sampras fully embraced Federer when he broke his records, never showed any bitterness. Federer should be this way with Novak also.
Steve · June 13, 2023 at 10:07 am
In his early Wilson Blade days he was much more enjoyable to watch. I remember a round robin WTF match vs. Davydenko where they were just blasting the ball. Later he developed a much safer, steady style of play.
Cyndy · June 13, 2023 at 10:10 am
Scoop Maliknowski… the online news and views from what I’m seeing is that people are clinging onto the fact that Federer is still the GOAT of tennis …. Inspite of Djokovic winning his 23rd slam among the three. So what are they expecting….that Federer (together with Nadal) are the forever GOATS inspite of the likelihood that Djokovic may win 24(Wimbledon) and 25 (USOpen) …what a corny bunch of “idiotistos”….blimey!
Scoop Malinowski · June 13, 2023 at 10:33 am
Cyndy, Federer has some very weird fans. I know a couple of stories. They worship him to a point that he freaked out and had one kicked out of Indian Wells, the year he lost to Bagdhatis. (The details of the story are very interesting, it would make a great feature.) Also I once observed him sign at US Open by practice courts and it was an uncomfortable silence as he signed with no interaction or eye contact. Then one woman, to break the ice, said, “I love your smile.” Federer ignored it and the weird uncomfortable episode continued. I had to leave it was weird. I have also watched Djokovic interact with fans and he’s much more natural and normal. He prefers to be treated and talked to as a normal person, not a superstar. Federer fans prefer to live in the past, but the Roger reign, as great as it was, is long over. Roger was great for tennis but there’s a new sheriff in town.
Scoop Malinowski · June 13, 2023 at 10:36 am
Cyndy, I also play sometimes with a good player and we just played in the New Jersey State red clay 35s championships first round on Sunday, he has the RF logo tattoo on his shoulder. I won the match 76 61, 🙂 we played while Novak vs Ruud was playing.
SHLOMO · June 13, 2023 at 11:02 am
Nice piece of information. I guess anyone to start somewhere, and sure enough he has and managed to outlast the other big two. Still wasn’t happy with him collecting the latest RG title 😕 but have to give it to him. Well done 👏 Djokovic and good article with a lot of historical information.
Scoop Malinowski · June 13, 2023 at 11:37 am
Steve, why was Djokovic “more enjoyable to watch” back then? He’s obviously a much better and smarter player now. Davydenko is maybe the most underrated great player ever and in that discussion of best players to never win a major. When Davydenko was at his best he could dominate Federer and Nadal which he did amazingly. Little guy with perfect smooth technique.
Scoop Malinowski · June 13, 2023 at 11:39 am
Shlomo thanks, yes inside stories like this are always cool to learn and enlightening. Sorry that you didn’t enjoy his final win vs Ruud.
Cyndy · June 13, 2023 at 12:54 pm
Nice to hear that you play as well Scoop Maliknowski and won in straight sets! Here’s to more success in your future matches. I see that you were playing the same time that Djokovic/Ruud finals were on. Will look forward to reading more of your interesting insights of the greats in the game.
Cory · June 15, 2023 at 10:50 am
Scoop, completely agree about Davydenko. Name someone who packed mre punch and effort into his size/game. You’re exactly right i remember many matches where Davydenko bossed Federer and other top players around (winning some). He was nasty. AMAZING that he didn’t win not only a GS but nor a major. Just wow. De Minaur kind of reminds me of a poor man’s Davydenko.
Scoop Malinowski · June 15, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Cory, there are many things I will never forget in tennis and one is when talking with Dmitri Tursunov and somehow Davydenko was mentioned and his reaction of awe of what a great player he was. I just remember the awe/respect in his voice and tone though it was just a short reaction it impacted me on how great a player Davydenko was and is so highly regarded by his peers. I got a vibe from Tursunov that Davydenko was much better than his results which were great, but perhaps he wasn’t allowed to be a superstar because he’s Russian and he didn’t sell tickets like Fed Rafa etc. I saw Davydenko blow out Fed and Rafa, but the tennis establishment was definitely not on his side, if you know what I mean. Good comparison Deminaur and Davydenko but not looking likely Deminaur will ever get to top 5.
Scoop Malinowski · June 16, 2023 at 9:05 am
Funny clip of Thomas Muster, 5 seed at 97 US Open, being outplayed by Henman on Ashe 1R and getting the idea to suddenly chase Tim out of the stadium after yet another magic shot winner by Tiger Tim that day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsFP6A0zbJI
Douglas · June 18, 2023 at 11:01 pm
Daveydenko only flaw a weak serve. London Barkleys was his high point.
Dont discount best footwork ever!