Shock Claim from Djokovic’s Father: ‘Federer ATTACKED My Son — and No One Stopped Him’

In what might be one of the most explosive accusations to rock the tennis world in years, Srdjan Djokovic, father of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, has accused Roger Federer of launching what he described as a “personal and orchestrated attack” against his son during the formative years of his career. The bold statement has reignited the ever-burning debate around the Big Three of men’s tennis — Federer, Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal — and raised difficult questions about rivalry, favoritism, and what really goes on behind the pristine façade of professional tennis.

According to an interview that surfaced earlier this week, Srdjan did not mince words. “Federer ATTACKED my son,” he said. “And nobody stopped him. Nobody tried to protect Novak when he was just trying to play, to earn his place. There was a clear intention to break him mentally.” The tennis community is now deeply divided: some see this as a protective father speaking his truth, while others call it an unnecessary escalation that tarnishes the reputation of the sport.

The Origins of the Federer–Djokovic Tension

To understand the depth of the claim, it’s necessary to revisit the early 2000s — a time when Federer was already a global icon, Nadal was quickly becoming a clay-court king, and Djokovic was still viewed as an outsider from a war-torn nation trying to crack into tennis’s elite. Federer, with his effortless elegance, and Djokovic, with his grinding resilience and explosive personality, were polar opposites — both in game style and demeanor. Their contrast made for thrilling matchups, but according to Srdjan, it also bred “hostility and arrogance” behind the scenes.

“There was a time,” he continued, “when Novak was just starting out. Federer was at the top, and instead of helping younger players, instead of giving support, he was making sure they wouldn’t rise. He tried to crush Novak mentally — through interviews, through gestures, through politics in the locker room. And not once did the media question him.”

These are grave accusations, and they go beyond the scope of mere competitive rivalry. In the sporting world, psychological warfare is common, but calling it an “attack” suggests a much darker layer to what fans witnessed on court.

The Silent Years: Why Speak Out Now?

One of the key questions raised by this new interview is timing. Why now? Why speak up after years of tense but largely professional co-existence between Federer and Djokovic?

Some suggest it’s the growing recognition that Djokovic may retire as the statistically greatest men’s tennis player of all time, and the Djokovic camp is now trying to correct what they see as a legacy skewed in Federer’s favor. Despite his record-breaking Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has long felt like the third wheel in the Big Three narrative, especially among Western audiences and media outlets.

Others believe it’s a deeply personal matter for Srdjan — a father who has watched his son endure boos, jeers, and subtle snubs despite his accomplishments. “You have to understand,” a Serbian journalist familiar with the Djokovic family said, “Srdjan has always believed that the system was built to keep Novak down. From the ATP boardroom to the pressrooms of Paris and London, he thinks Federer was the face of that system.”

Federer’s Silence — And Its Implications

Roger Federer has not yet responded to the claim — at least not publicly. Known for his carefully curated image and rarely engaging in personal drama, Federer has built a legacy of class and diplomacy. His silence could be seen as a refusal to dignify the comment with a response. But to others, especially Djokovic supporters, Federer’s silence is an admission of guilt — a tactic to avoid rekindling past controversy.

“It’s always been this way,” Srdjan said. “They smile in front of the cameras, but behind the scenes? Different story. Federer was untouchable. He could do anything, say anything, and the press would call him ‘gracious.’ But when Novak showed passion, he was called disrespectful.”

These double standards are central to Srdjan’s complaint. The claim isn’t just about Federer the man, but about Federer the media darling — the player whose mistakes were forgiven and whose rivals were often villainized.

A Legacy War in the Making

As the careers of all three legends near their end, the battle for legacy has become more intense than ever. Nadal is widely loved, Federer is idolized, and Djokovic, despite his sheer dominance in numbers, remains polarizing. For his fans, Djokovic’s road has been the hardest — filled with adversity, injuries, disapproval, and now, according to his father, deliberate psychological sabotage.

Tennis commentator and former pro Brad Gilbert weighed in after the interview went viral. “I think Srdjan is expressing what a lot of Novak fans feel. Whether you agree or not, you can’t deny that Djokovic has had a different experience than Federer or Nadal. There’s definitely been resistance to his rise.”

Still, calling it an “attack” is something else entirely — a word that implies intention and malice. It risks redefining the narrative around Federer, a player long considered the sport’s greatest ambassador.

Media Reaction and Cultural Divide

Perhaps most interesting is how the story has been received across the world. In Serbia and parts of Eastern Europe, Srdjan’s words are being treated as long-overdue truth-telling. In the West, especially in Britain and Switzerland, many have dismissed the claims as paranoid or bitter. The coverage itself speaks volumes about the media dynamics that Djokovic’s camp has long criticized.

Social media has become a battleground. Hashtags like #JusticeForNovak and #FedererAttack are trending in some regions, while memes mocking Srdjan’s claim are flooding timelines elsewhere. The divide is real — and the damage might be irreversible.

Djokovic’s Response: Dignity or Distance?

Curiously, Novak Djokovic has not commented on his father’s remarks. This could be a sign of disagreement or simply a way to maintain his own image of professionalism. Djokovic has often tried to walk a fine line — respecting his rivals while defending himself against what he perceives as unfair treatment.

In the past, he has acknowledged that he was “not welcomed” when he started rising through the ranks. He’s also spoken openly about how emotional and political narratives have influenced his reception in the tennis world. But he has never accused Federer of personal attacks — at least not publicly.

Whether he will now feel pressure to clarify, support, or distance himself from his father’s statement remains to be seen. Either way, the interview has cast a long shadow over his relationships with fellow legends and may force him to redefine his place in tennis history — again.

Can the Tennis World Move Forward?

At its best, tennis has been about grace, resilience, and respect — values that all three men have demonstrated in different ways. But it’s also a sport of narratives, and narratives are powerful. If fans and media begin to re-examine Federer’s legacy through this new lens, the consequences could be profound.

More than just a personal feud, Srdjan’s comments point to the deeper fractures in tennis culture — where nationality, privilege, race, and media bias have all played a role in shaping who is celebrated and who is scrutinized.

“It’s not just about Novak,” Srdjan concluded. “It’s about what kind of world we want to build for the next Novak. Will we let one man be treated unfairly while everyone stays silent? Or will we speak up, even if it’s uncomfortable?”

Final Thoughts: A Storm That Won’t Settle Soon

The storm stirred by Srdjan Djokovic’s accusation may eventually pass, but its impact will linger. As the Big Three enter their twilight years, their fans are increasingly vocal, and history is being written in real-time. This statement from Djokovic’s father might not change the official records, but it will certainly change how those records are interpreted.

Whether Federer chooses to respond, and whether Djokovic aligns himself with or distances himself from his father’s words, one thing is certain: the battle for legacy is no longer just about tennis. It’s about truth, perception, and who controls the story.

And right now, that story has never been more complicated.