Ode to Novak Djokovic, the underdog.

Novak has been the underdog in the world of tennis.  As a young 20-year-old Serb, he was an underdog when he first defeated Federer in the 2007 Montreal Masters final, and he is still an underdog when he recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Olympics tennis final as a 37-year-old.

He is the underdog who rose to prominence during an era dominated by two other tennis greats, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. While both players garnered immense fanfare and adoration, Djokovic often found himself in their shadows.

Novak Djokovic's resilience in the face of fans booing speaks for his mental toughness and competitive spirit. Novak has been the voice of lower-ranked players against the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) . He co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in 2020, aiming to create a players-only organization that prioritizes the welfare and rights of players.

Ode to Djoker, the underdog

In the realm of tennis, where legends are born,

A young Serbian boy, through shadows was worn.

At just twenty, he faced Federer’s might,

In Montreal’s final, he fought for the light.

An outsider he stood, in a world of two kings,

With Federer and Nadal, who wore glory’s wings.

Yet Djokovic’s spirit, fierce and untamed,

In the echoes of doubt, his passion proclaimed.

From the ashes of struggles, he forged his own way,

Defeating the giants, come what may.

In twenty-four battles, he claimed his own crown,

Yet establishment tried to pull him down.

Through boos and jeers, he stood tall and proud,

With focus unyielding, he silenced the crowd.

A warrior of grit, with resilience unmatched,

In the face of disdain, his spirit dispatched.

But not just for glory, his heart beats for more,

For the players behind him, he opens the door.

With the PTPA founded, he fights for their cause,

Championing rights, earning respect and applause.

So here’s to Djokovic, the underdog true,

With a heart full of fire and a vision anew.

In the annals of sport, his legacy shines,

Disclaimer: Poem created with help of https://www.perplexity.ai/