Paul McNamee reflects on the early years of Novak Djokovic

In a recent interview, former Australian player Paul McNamee discussed his long-standing acquaintance with Novak Djokovic, dating back to the early stages of Djokovic's career. McNamee addressed Djokovic's impersonation of Maria Sharapova, emphasizing that while some perceived it as an attempt to seek validation, McNamee saw it differently. 

During a 2024 US Open interview with Sport Klub, McNamee, who served as the director of the Australian Open during Djokovic's debut at the tournament, reflected on his nearly two-decade relationship with the Serb. He aimed to underscore Djokovic's demeanour before external influences shaped his public image.

Also read:- American Tennis Star Frances Tiafoe in awe of Roger Federer's presence

McNamee Took a Step Back in Time 

McNamee mentioned when Djokovic imitated his friend Sharapova, which he did several times in 2013, much to the amusement of the Russian player. However, McNamee believed that people wrongly interpreted Djokovic's actions as him trying too hard to please others, whereas Djokovic was simply being himself, as he had been since his teenage years.

McNamee expressed that "people attempted to shape Djokovic's behaviour" after he became a celebrity, and all these years have been "a challenge for him."

“He took the microphone and sang at the New Year’s party, he was friendly to everyone, so open and refreshing. That character of his later was pushed into the background,":-McNamee added

McNamee stated:- "When he imitated Sharapova and the others, people said that he was trying too hard to please others, but, that was Novak – that’s what I saw when he was a teenager, simply that’s how he was, open, that’s how he was before ‘Novak Djokovic’ became a celebrity." 

In a recent interview with Sport Klub, Paul McNamee shared that he first discovered Novak Djokovic during the qualifiers in Valencia. He was thoroughly impressed by the performance of two talented Serbian youngsters - Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic.

Since that time, McNamee has been closely monitoring Djokovic's career and even had the opportunity to witness the Serbian player's debut Grand Slam match at the 2005 Australian Open.

Also read:- Roger Federer empathizes with his Long time Rivals' recent draws