Novak Djokovic fans bombarded US Open with wild conspiracy theory that backfired

Tennis365
Novak Djokovic ready for action
Novak Djokovic relishes the challenge at the US Open

A glance at the US Open social media feed earlier this week revealed some of Novak Djokovic’s more deluded fans dreamed up a conspiracy theory that failed to materialise.

When USTA chiefs confirmed they would not be broadcasting the US Open draw live to the public, Djokovic’s notoriously vocal fans on the platform most people still call Twitter were quick to suggest their hero was about to be handed a tough task in New York.

The replies to the tweet encouraging fans to take part in the US Open’s Million Dollar Bracket game were fueled with angry messages from Djokovic fans suggesting the reason for the decision not to broadcast the draw live was to ensure the Serbian was about to be handed a tough task.

https://twitter.com/pastaga01/status/1694166854510506473?s=20

This is not the first time Djokovic’s more passionate supporters have got lost in the fog of their own delusions, with the Serbian legend attracting the attention of some fans who do little to help his cause.

Those same conspiracy theorists appeared to evaporate when the draw for the men’s singles was released and Djokovic was handed the most favourable path to the final imaginable.

The 23-time Grand Slam-winning legend faces Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the first round and he will then face either Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain or young American wildcard Ethan Quinn.

Djokovic could also face 2021 semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime and Stefanos Tsitsipas before the semi-finals, but his is hardly the horror draw the Djokovic defenders were predicting he might get on his first appearance at the US Open since he lost the 2021 final against Daniil Medvedev.

“I like the feeling that I have after 20-plus years of professional tennis. There’s still a fire going,” said Djokovic ahead of his latest Grand Slam bid.

“There’s still that drive and motivation to really come at the biggest events in sport and try to win, try to win titles and try to bring some good sensation to the crowds.”

Djokovic was reduced to tears after his last match at the US Open, as the New York fans showed him incredible respect after his defeat against Medvedev.

The Serbian has not always been a fans’ favourite over the course of his career, yet his comments on that occasion confirmed he is desperate to be adored by the tennis public.

“I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York. The crowd made me very special,” he said.

“They pleasantly surprised me. I did not know, I did not expect anything, but the amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something that I’ll remember forever.

“I mean, that’s the reason on the changeover I just teared up. The emotion, the energy was so strong. I mean, it’s as strong as winning 21 Grand Slams. That’s how I felt, honestly. I felt very, very special.

“They touched my heart, honestly. Of course, at the end of the day, you want to win. You are a professional athlete.

“These are the kind of moments that you cherish. These are connections that you establish with people that will be lasting for a very long time.”

Djokovic has always shown humility and respect to his opponents when he is beaten on the court and some of his more exuberant supporters would do well to follow his lead as their social media rants do little to boost the image of their hero.

READ MORE: Tim Henman offers alternative view on Novak Djokovic’s relationship with tennis fans