Novak Djokovic's 'Classy' Response To 'Appalling' Press Conference Question

On the court, he's arguably the best in the business.

But of it, it's a different story.

Novak Djokovic's actions in recent times mean it's rare that we see him showered in compliments from fans.

Only this time, the Serbian tennis star appears to have broken that mould.

Fans have heaped praise on Djokovic after he shut down a Wimbledon journalist for asking a rather silly question.

Djokovic had just qualified for the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament for the 10th time in his career when he was pulled into a press conference for his media obligations.

After a few early questions, one reporter took the microphone and fired off a remark of his own.

"What has it been like to be something of the 'bad guy' chasing after Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) all these years?" the journalist asked.

Being dubbed the 'bad guy' clearly didn't sit well with aptly-nicknamed 'Joker' and he returned serve at the reporter.

"I don't consider myself a bad guy. But I mean, that's your opinion," Djokovic calmly responded to the question with a straight face.

PA

"I'm not chasing anybody. I'm making my own path and my own journey, my own history.

"I'm privileged to be part of history of this sport that I love.

"As I said on the court, I know about a lot of stats. I don't know about all of them, but they do motivate me even more to play my best tennis at the events that count the most in our sport."

Upon hearing his brilliant answer to such a blunt question, fans wasted no time in heaping praise on Djokovic

One bloke perhaps summed up the public's response best, tweeting: "Appalling question once again by a "tennis journalist"... composed, classy and direct answer from Djokovic. He really does put up with a lot."

Djokovic now faces Canadian Denis Shapovalov for a place in the final as he chases his record-equalling 20th grand slam title at Wimbledon.

Topics: Tennis, Tennis news, Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry