LONDON — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has often been a polarizing figure in tennis, but those who know him best paint a very different picture. Former coach Riccardo Piatti recently described the Serbian superstar as "one of the most wonderful, humble, and hardworking people" he has ever worked with, offering a rare glimpse into Djokovic’s true character beyond the headlines.
The Coach’s Perspective: Djokovic’s Humility and Work Ethic
Piatti, who briefly coached Djokovic in 2005 before the Serb’s meteoric rise, revealed in an interview with Italian media that the world No. 1’s dedication was evident even as a teenager. "He was always the first on the court and the last to leave," Piatti recalled. "Even back then, he had this incredible hunger to improve every single day."
Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of excellence has often been mistaken for arrogance, but Piatti insists that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. "People see his confidence and mistake it for ego, but Novak is one of the most respectful athletes I’ve ever met," he said. "He treats everyone—ball kids, coaches, fans—with the same kindness."
A Champion’s Mentality Behind the Scenes
Beyond his on-court dominance, Djokovic’s off-court habits reveal why he has remained at the top for nearly two decades. Piatti highlighted:
- "His discipline is unmatched—sleep, diet, recovery, everything is optimized."
- "He remembers every detail about his game and his opponents’ weaknesses."
- "Even after winning, he’d analyze matches for hours, looking for ways to get better."
The Generosity Few See: Djokovic’s Philanthropy
While Djokovic’s tennis achievements are well-documented, his humanitarian efforts often fly under the radar. Through his foundation, he has built schools and provided aid in Serbia and beyond. Piatti shared, "Novak never seeks attention for it, but he’s donated millions to children’s education and healthcare. That’s the real Novak—someone who cares deeply about giving back."
One notable example came during the pandemic when Djokovic organized a charity tour to raise funds for struggling players. Though the event faced criticism due to COVID-19 protocols, Piatti defended Djokovic’s intentions: "His heart was in the right place. He just wanted to help those who couldn’t earn a living during the lockdown."
The Misunderstood Competitor
Djokovic’s fiery on-court demeanor has sometimes overshadowed his sportsmanship. Yet, Piatti argues that his passion is often misconstrued. "When he smashes a racket or shouts, it’s not arrogance—it’s frustration with himself. He holds himself to impossible standards." Even rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have acknowledged Djokovic’s respect for the game.
A telling moment came after his 2023 Australian Open victory, where he broke down in tears while hugging his team. "That’s the real Novak," Piatti said. "Beneath the champion is a man who feels everything deeply—the sacrifices, the pressure, the love for his family."
Why the World Misjudges Djokovic
Piatti believes Djokovic’s authenticity is what makes him misunderstood. "He doesn’t play the media game. He speaks his mind, whether it’s about vaccines or politics, and that scares people." Unlike more reserved athletes, Djokovic’s openness has sometimes backfired, but Piatti admires his courage: "He’d rather be honest than fake."
Even fans who once disliked him have warmed to Djokovic in recent years. At the 2023 US Open, he received a standing ovation after a grueling final—proof, Piatti says, that "people are finally seeing him for who he truly is."
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Tennis
Djokovic’s records may define his career, but Piatti hopes his character will be remembered just as much. "History will show Novak not just as a great player, but as a great man—someone who fought for his beliefs, lifted others up, and never lost sight of his roots." For those who truly know him, there’s no debate: Djokovic’s legacy is as much about heart as it is about titles.
As Piatti put it simply: "If you spend a day with Novak, you’ll leave convinced he’s one of the best people in sports. The world just needed time to see it."