"Novak Djokovic is the nicest, caring guy" - Golf star Luke Donald stumped by why Serb doesn't get the same love as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

PGA star Luke Donald this week spoke about his perplexity about Novak Djokovic not getting the same love as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The golfer appeared on the "No Laying Up" golf podcast and recalled his impression of Djokovic when the Serb met him at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

He opened up about Djokovic not receiving the kind of love Nadal and Federer received and lauded the 37-year-old as "down to earth." Donald said, (via The Tennis Gazette)

"It’s funny. He doesn’t always get the best rap with the media. Roger and Rafa were the loved ones among the fans. But you meet Novak and he is the nicest, caring, most down-to-earth guy. I think he has had a lot of people against him for whatever reason. But it’s how he uses that and reframes it into a positive really."

Novak Djokovic competed in several competitions this year, and his most recent appearance was at an exhibition match against Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Parque Roca Stadium on December 1, 2024. The Serb was bested by Potro 7-5, 6-4 in the latter's last match of his career.

Along with tennis, Djokovic has also shown interest in golf and once opened up about his source of motivation for the Ryder Cup All-Star game.

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When Novak Djokovic spoke about his motivation for his practice for Ryder Cup All-Star game

In an interview with the Golf Channel in 2023, Novak Djokovic opened up about his thoughts before attending the Ryder Cup All-Star game, joking about not wanting to hit someone with the golf ball. Djokovic was invited to the celebrity event before the 2023 Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club,

Considering this experience, the 37-year-old spoke about his extensive practice sessions. He also remarked he didn't want to "embarrass" himself. Djokovic said,

"When I got an invite, I was like, 'Oh my god. I gotta accept this...' I got a bit prepared. [I thought] 'Cannot embarrass myself, cannot hit someone in the head... because we don't want that. I have no insurance.'

"But then I started to ask questions like, 'Who is participating,' and I wanted to know their handicap. And I started to train a bit more, I got lessons, and yeah... when you become a father, you have less time. I haven't played much golf in the last six years. But I increased the amount of golf I've played in the last six months, especially in the last ten days."

Novak Djokovic will start his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, which is slated for December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025.