Even if you’re not an avid tennis fan (full disclosure: I’m not), I recommend watching The Wolf in Winter, the Novak Djokovic documentary released last month and available on Prime.
It was directed by Jason Hehir, whose credits include the uber-popular documentary The Last Dance (with Michael Jordan).
In 90 minutes, Hehir compellingly reveals Djokovic’s enormous talent and rare mix of unparalleled drive, discipline and a rebelliously defiant character.
Oh yeah, perhaps unintentionally, the film makes a pretty compelling case for Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time. His record 24 Grand Slam titles certainly don’t hurt the argument.
Yet in a sport whose fans generally admire and revere their champions, Djokovic was often seen as a villain.
His volatile personality had much to blame for the unique love-hate relationship with fans. His intense competitive fire made room for bouts of playfulness – best characterized by his occasional on-court impressions of other top players. Some fans loved it. Others found it mocking and disrespectful.
He countered those light moments with fits of anger – leaving a trail of broken tennis rackets along the way. And when fans decided to boo the behavior, Djokovic – rather than ignore them – often paused to peer into the stands and shout back.
Andre Agassi, who coached Djokovic for one year, claimed the friction fueled him.
Djokovic burst onto the scene during the peak of the Nadal-Federer rivalry – boldly stating he was determined to take both out. He then went and did it. Nadal is second all-time with 22 grand slams. Federer is third with 20.
His most controversial act came in 2022 when he showed up unvaxed to defend his Australian Open title. He was seeking a record 10th title and was the three-time defending Australian Open champion. Instead a legal battle over his visa ended with Australian authorities deporting him.
His decision not to get vaccinated triggered enormous worldwide backlash. It also cost him millions of dollars and an opportunity to add to his record-setting grand slam total. He was subsequently denied participation in the 2022 U.S. Open for refusing the vax.
While Federer, Nadal and others waited until their official retirements before releasing their documentaries, Djokovic (now 39) refuses to stop playing, which makes for a somewhat rough ending to his film.
But it’s typical Djokovic. He’ll end his career on his terms, no matter how messy the finish. But at some point, the mixed reception from fans should give way to admiration and respect. It’s a career (and life) that deserves it.
