Roger Federer comment shuts down Novak Djokovic conspiracy theory

Roger Federer has moved to correct a conspiracy theory after his silence on a divisive topic did not go unnoticed by fans.

Roger Federer in the Wimbledon interview room. Photo by Joe TOTH / AELTC / POOL / AFP.

Roger Federer says he wants Novak Djokovic to reach his immortal record of eight Wimbledon crowns.

The title of “king of grass” is one of the few records the tennis legend has left since Rafael Nadal and Djokovic set new benchmarks in the race to be considered the so-called GOAT.

Federer, however, says he has his reasons for wanting the Serbian superstar to join him on eight Wimbledon titles.

Djokovic jumped ahead of Nadal when he won his 23rd grand slam crown at the French Open last month — and it sparked a conspiracy theory surrounding Federer’s feelings towards the world No. 2.

Federer was not seen or heard when Djokovic claimed his 23rd slam, while Nadal was quick to post his congratulations on Twitter.

Federer’s silence was noted by tennis fans at the time, considering how quick he had previously been when congratulating Nadal on his big victories.

Federer has now set the record straight.

In an interview with CNN, the 41-year-old said it is the best thing for tennis that Djokovic goes on to match his Wimbledon feat.

“Honestly, I think it’s great for him. I had my moments,” Federer said.

Novak Djokovic won the 2019 gentlemen’s singles final against Federer. Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images.

“Having won my eighth, or fifth in a row maybe, that was my moment, so if someone equals that or passes that this is their moment.

“I know nowadays things are media driven, player driven, and I was driven as well by trying to break records, equal records, but now as you sit back you have a totally different perspective as you’re not in it anymore. You start relaxing. You’re just very proud of your achievements.

“I hope he does it to be honest because anything more he does adds to tennis history. It goes above and beyond just talking tennis. It goes into global conversations. Like when he went to 23 now in Paris, it’s incredible stuff. It’s good news and good for the game.”

He said he considers Djokovic the favourite to defend the crown he won last year when defeating Nick Kyrgios in the gentlemen’s final.

Federer, who retired last year, was treated to a standing ovation at Centre Court on Tuesday, as crowds gathered to watch women’s third seed Elena Rybakina and American Shelby Rogers.

Novak Djokovic with his No. 23 jacket. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images.

Djokovic’s triumph at Roland Garros last month was not the first time there have been suggestions Federer has tended to favour Nadal over Djokovic.

Most famously, Federer posted a message of warm congratulations when Nadal tied his record of 20 slam titles after winning the 2020 French Open final against Djokovic.

His message to Nadal was undeniably classy, but it was noticed that Djokovic was not mentioned once.

Federer said in the flattering message it was an “honour” to share the record with Nadal.

Catherine Whitaker said on The Tennis Podcast at the time that Federer’s message made Djokovic the “third wheel” again.

David Law also said on the podcast at the time: “Federer didn’t mention him in the note, which I must admit I did look down and I thought, ‘Oh, no, can’t see that’. Maybe that’s just an oversight.”

While that is one side of the conspiracy theory, there is also the fact that Federer did congratulate Djokovic after his triumph at the 2023 Australian Open.

Federer, meanwhile, has also declared his sympathy is with Nadal after the Spaniard was forced to take time away from the sport as a result of an ongoing hip injury.

Nadal said last month he will likely retire at the end of the 2024 tour.