Former doubles World No. 1 and Australian tennis great Paul McNamee recently weighed in on Novak Djokovic’s popularity in Australia. McNamee suggested that the Serb’s on-court drama can sometimes sit uneasily with the average Australian fan.
Even so, he described Djokovic as a “lovely guy” and a “good bloke,” while reiterating his disapproval of the controversy involving him during the 2022 Australian Open.
Former Australian Opens Up on Novak Djokovic’s Lack of Popularity in Australia Despite Being a ‘Good Bloke’
Djokovic’s on-court credentials are beyond dispute, highlighted by multiple stints as ATP World No. 1 and 101 tour-level titles, including a record 24 Grand Slam crowns. The Australian Open, in particular, has long been his most dominant stage, with the Serb lifting the trophy 10 times at Melbourne Park, most recently in 2023.
Yet, despite his immense success in Australia, Djokovic has also been at the center of controversies. Last year in Melbourne, the Serb reached the semifinals, but his campaign ended on a sour note when he was forced to retire after dropping a tight first-set tiebreak 6-7 to Alexander Zverev. As Djokovic left the court, a section of the crowd was heard booing, adding to the contentious atmosphere.
Another flashpoint came during last year’s Australian Open, when a section of the crowd reportedly booed Djokovic during his fourth-round victory over Jiří Lehečka. He subsequently skipped the customary on-court interview, later clarifying that the decision was not driven by the crowd’s reaction but by his objection to a journalist who had mocked Serbian fans.
Recently, former Australian player McNamee spoke about Djokovic’s chances of winning the upcoming Australian Open while also weighing in on his popularity in Australia. In an interview with SEN, he said, “Popularity, no, not as much (in Australia). Having said that, I’ve spent some time in the Balkans, and he is so popular in that part of the world. It’s the complete opposite in Eastern Europe compared to the West. He is loved in that part of the world.”
McNamee suggested that Djokovic’s on-court demeanor and emotional expressions do not align with what many Australian fans typically appreciate. While he personally regards Djokovic as warm and likable, those mannerisms, in his view, often create a disconnect with local audiences.
“I think he’s just got a little bit too much drama for the palette of the average Australian. It just rubs Aussies the wrong way. I know Novak personally, and he’s a lovely guy, but he rubs Aussies the wrong way. I can see that. His mannerisms are not our thing, but he’s a good bloke,” he added.
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Another controversial incident took place in 2022, when the Serb was deported after failing to comply with Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements, with the ruling citing potential risks to public order and health, among other reasons.
However, McNamee expressed regret over Australia’s handling of the 24-time Grand Slam champion during COVID, calling the deportation embarrassing and excessive, especially given Djokovic’s fitness.
“The way we treated him in COVID, kicking him out, I was ashamed. The healthiest guy on the planet, we kicked him out of the country. It was a shocker,” he concluded.
Although Djokovic has long been a dominant force in Melbourne, the challenge has intensified in recent years, driven by the quick rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, as well as the physical demands.
The Serb, who turns 39 in May, has also adopted a more selective schedule, most recently skipping the ATP Finals in Turin and later withdrawing from the Adelaide International ahead of the Australian Open.
