A champion for players and fans: Novak Djokovic’s Rome return blends advocacy and affection

The Internazionali BNL D’Italia (also known as the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome, or the Rome Masters) has kicked off this week with some thrilling opening rounds, and fairytale stories particularly for Italian tennis players who continue to show consistency and progress.

But this year, off-court action has been making as many headlines as the action on the Italian clay.

Candid press conference

On Thursday evening, ahead of his first match on Friday, world No 4 Novak Djokovic gave a candid and reflective press conference, showing solidarity with his fellow tennis players on one particular topic, before delighting his fans by making an appearance at the Fun Village, where the holder of 24 grand slams spent time hitting balls with selected fans, giving them a lifetime memory to cherish.

If fans were trying to track down the six-time Foro Italico champion on Thursday, finding him within the 49-acre complex, wasn’t exactly a challenge.

Like a soundtrack that accompanied him, roars emanated from cheering fans, who trailed behind his shuttle around the complex – a charming replica vintage steam train, while he moved from one commitment to the next.

Novak Djokovic’s last tournament was eight weeks ago, at Indian Wells.

Yet the tennis star’s welcome reception in Rome suggested a far longer absence, as if he had returned from a much longer sabbatical.

Respect is gained by reciprocity.

Support and solidarity

At the media press conference, there was no doubt as to Djokovic’s support and solidarity with his fellow players, over one hot topic that has been in the headlines all week.

On Tuesday, WTA world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka raised the topic of parity in prize money at Roland Garros.

At a press conference, the Belarusian player commented that herself (and other players), would consider boycotting the French Open later this month, unless the tournament agreed to increase tournament prize money in line with tournament revenue.

Sabalenka’s comment has gained traction this week with her male and female peers, who have publicly supported her when asked about their views on this.

It was a topic that also dominated Djokovic’s press conference, with his reflections on the subject reinforcing the fact that the record-breaking grand slammer is a man for the players as well as for the fans.

‘Will always have my support’

When asked his views on Sabalenka’s comments, the former head of the player council, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) emphasised his continued support from the sidelines.

“Players know that they’ll always have my support, and that’s all. The new generations are coming up. I’m glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the tennis politics works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone”.

“But my position is very clear: I support the players and always will support stronger player position in the ecosystem”.

Player equality, particularly financial support for lower-ranked players, to keep them in the sport, is a subject close to Novak Djokovic’s heart.

He reiterated to press about how prize money parity has been a hot topic since he first started playing, and one of the reasons that prompted him to co-found the PTPA.

“They’re leaving tennis because of no funding. We are I think the only global sport, that are in this particular situation where we don’t have a certain financial, say, gains or guarantees for the lower-ranked players”.

Much-desired reverence

To gain respect and win over both players well as fans is no small feat.

It has taken years for the 38-year-old from Serbia to earn the much-desired reverence that his peers Federer and Nadal enjoyed.

Thankfully, the dial has shifted favourably for him in recent years, leading to the ‘greatest of all time’ moniker that few can doubt, as he continues to break records and make history.

But defying history cannot alone bring love and respect.

Novak Djokovic has worked hard at earning his through integrity and consistent actions, but above all, reciprocity.

If Thursday’s heartfelt interactions with three very different cohorts (players, media and fans) are anything to go by, the Serbian star can be assured that his stock will continue to rise, long after he eventually hangs up his racquet.

Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia at the Foro Italico, Rome