Novak Djokovic has revealed that he changed one part of his personality early in his career because some players on the ATP Tour did not like it.
The 39-year-old was known for much more than his tennis when he first started becoming one of the best players in the world. Djokovic regularly entertained fans by copying the routines and habits of other players, including Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova.
The Serbian veteran recently appeared with comedian Kevin Hart on Cold as Balls and was asked about his first years on the Tour. Djokovic recalled getting help from experienced Croatian players Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic, who were already near the top of the rankings at the time.
He also spoke about advice to remain himself. That was not always easy for the former world No. 1 because his humor did not please everybody around him.
“My rivals and my peers didn’t like that at all. I stopped doing that, because I wanted to kind of fit in,” Novak said.
Novak later decided that changing himself to please others was not the right way for him. The 24-time Grand Slam champion continued to show his personality during the rest of his career, even if the public impersonations became much less common.
Djokovic’s impersonations were big news in 2007
Djokovic was only 20 when his impersonations became a big story at the 2007 US Open. After beating Carlos Moya in the quarterfinal, he copied Sharapova’s pre-serve routine and Nadal’s well-known habits in front of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
The fans laughed and Novak quickly became one of the most talked-about players at that Grand Slam tournament. He also reached his first Grand Slam final there before losing to Roger Federer in straight sets.
During the same tournament, Djokovic was asked how other players felt about his jokes. At that time he claimed there were no big problems, although he also revealed that Andy Roddick had tried to imitate him in return.
Roddick was doing it a couple times when we practice,” Djokovic said at the time, adding that the American was annoyed by being imitated.
Nadal’s reaction was a little different. Several years later, Djokovic admitted that the Spaniard was not immediately delighted about seeing himself copied.
“At the start, not so much,” Djokovic told CBS when asked if Nadal found it funny.
Federer was also asked about Djokovic’s humor during the 2007 US Open. The Swiss said the young Serbian was “walking a tightrope,” although he added: “If the fans like it, it’s good for tennis.”
Sharapova appeared to take the joke more easily. Djokovic said during that US Open that she accepted it well and was not offended.
Those impersonations included more players than Nadal and Sharapova. Djokovic also copied Roddick, Federer, Lleyton Hewitt and others around that period. Videos of the young Serbian doing the impressions became popular online.
The veteran now prepares for Beijing return
Almost two decades later, Djokovic is in a completely different position. He has 24 Grand Slam titles, spent more weeks at world No. 1 than any other man and has played against several generations of players.
His 2026 season has still included some difficult moments. Djokovic reached the Australian Open final after beating Jannik Sinner in five sets in the semifinal, but Carlos Alcaraz stopped him 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the title match.