Novak Djokovic at the Center of a Storm: Steve Johnson Wants to “Devour” Jack Sock After His Fiery Remark

The Victory That Reignited an Old Debate

Novak Djokovic’s 101st career title at the Hellenic Championship should have been another celebrated milestone in the Serbian star’s legendary career. Instead, it has sparked one of the most heated public debates in recent tennis memory. What began as casual banter on the Nothing Major podcast between former ATP pros Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, and Steve Johnson quickly escalated into a fiery exchange — one that revealed deep divides not just among players, but within the tennis community itself.

At the heart of the argument lies a simple yet explosive question: What truly drives Novak Djokovic now? Is he chasing greatness for the love of the sport, or for something more self-serving — the insatiable hunger to surpass Roger Federer in every possible category?

Djokovic’s 101st Title: A Record With a Shadow

When Djokovic lifted the trophy in Athens, few could deny the magnitude of his achievement. With 101 ATP titles, he is now just two shy of Federer’s 103 — a mark that places him within striking distance of one of the final records still belonging to the Swiss maestro. To many fans, it seemed like destiny — the last step in Djokovic’s quest to silence every remaining critic. But for some of his former peers, including Sock and Johnson, the moment wasn’t as pure as it seemed.

As Querrey noted on the podcast, “That was his 101st title, Fed has 103 titles. I think he wants to pass Federer for most titles.” His tone was analytical, but it opened the door for a storm of opinions that followed.

Sock, never one to mince words, agreed emphatically — but with a sharper edge. “I honestly think winning Athens, I think he would take a lot of pride in winning three more 250s even to pass Roger,” he said. “Just because of the Big Three debate and everything — for whatever reason people still say Roger, even though the stats say otherwise. Novak wants to cement himself in that spot. I think he cares a lot more about these stats and the history of tennis than he probably mentions.”

That last line — he cares a lot more than he admits — quickly went viral.

Steve Johnson Fires Back: “He Only Cares About Himself”

Johnson, however, saw things differently — and didn’t hesitate to push back. “No, I don’t think so,” he said flatly, interrupting Sock’s take. But it wasn’t just disagreement; Johnson’s tone hinted at something deeper. When pressed by Querrey, he elaborated: “Look, Novak’s an incredible player, nobody denies that. But I think what drives him isn’t just legacy — it’s ego. He wants everything. Every record, every number. Sometimes it feels like he only cares about himself.”

The statement — he only cares about himself — was the spark that ignited a wave of controversy. Social media exploded with divided opinions: Djokovic loyalists accused Johnson of jealousy, while critics said he was simply telling the truth that others were too afraid to voice.

The Hidden Tensions Within the Locker Room

To outsiders, Johnson’s words might have seemed harsh. But for those familiar with the ATP locker room dynamic, they carried weight. Djokovic’s unmatched intensity, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his willingness to speak openly about records have long polarized players. While Federer and Nadal often spoke about “playing for the love of the game,” Djokovic has never hidden his obsession with numbers — Grand Slam titles, Masters trophies, weeks at No.1, ATP Finals victories.

For many of his rivals, that ambition commands respect. For others, it feels self-centered — a constant reminder of his need to dominate not only the court but the conversation around greatness.

Johnson’s remark reflected a sentiment shared quietly by more than a few players over the years. Some see Djokovic as a man driven by respect he feels he never fully received — particularly from Western audiences who have long favored Federer’s elegance and Nadal’s humility.

Sock’s Counterpoint: “That’s Why He’s the Greatest”

Yet Sock refused to back down. “You can call it ego,” he replied during the same episode, “but that’s what separates the greats from the rest. He’s not out there to make friends; he’s out there to make history. You don’t win 24 Grand Slams by being a people-pleaser.”

It was a passionate defense — one that captured why Djokovic continues to divide opinion even after two decades at the top. For some, his ruthless drive is what defines greatness. For others, it’s what makes him hard to love.

Sock added, “People said the same thing about Michael Jordan, about Tiger Woods. They were obsessed, but that obsession made them who they are. Novak’s no different.”

Querrey Plays Mediator — But Stokes the Fire

Querrey tried to calm things down, reminding both that Djokovic’s success is beyond question. But even he admitted that the Federer chase adds intrigue. “If you’re Novak, and you’ve already got the Slams record, the weeks at No.1, the Masters record — what’s left? You’ve gotta think he’s eyeing those last two titles,” he said. “It’s another box to check, another way to shut down the debate once and for all.”

That notion — shutting down the debate — has become almost symbolic of Djokovic’s late-career motivation. Every win now feels like a statement, a piece of evidence in the ongoing argument over who is truly the greatest.

The Federer Shadow: A Rivalry That Never Ends

Even after Federer’s retirement, his presence looms large. For Djokovic, the Swiss legend remains both benchmark and ghost — a figure against whom every new triumph is subconsciously measured.

Sock’s claim that Djokovic wants to surpass Federer’s 103 titles “even through smaller tournaments” struck a nerve with many fans. Some saw it as a cheap shot, diminishing Djokovic’s hunger for competition. Others viewed it as realism — after all, the Serbian has long said he values every title, no matter the category.

“Roger’s fans romanticize his style and grace,” one analyst noted. “Novak’s fans respect his grind. They represent two different ideas of what greatness means.”

Johnson’s Harsh Words Resurface Online

Within days, Johnson’s comment — “He only cares about himself” — was trending across sports media. Fans dissected every word. Was it jealousy? A rare glimpse into how some players genuinely view Djokovic? Or simply a poorly phrased attempt to express frustration with how narratives around greatness are shaped?

Johnson later tried to clarify his remarks, saying he “didn’t mean it as a personal attack,” but the damage was done. Many tennis enthusiasts interpreted it as a reflection of long-simmering resentment toward Djokovic’s dominance — and perhaps toward his unapologetic confidence.

Djokovic’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Interestingly, Djokovic himself has made no public comment about the debate. Those close to him say he’s aware of the discussion but prefers to let his racquet do the talking. Historically, Djokovic has been unbothered by criticism — from the crowd’s boos to the media’s skepticism. Yet his silence also adds to the drama. Fans wonder: Does he really care about overtaking Federer, or is he simply focused on staying healthy and enjoying his later years in the sport?

His track record suggests he cares deeply about both — performance and perception. Few players in history have worked harder to control their legacy narrative than Novak Djokovic.

Why This Debate Matters

The clash between Jack Sock and Steve Johnson is about more than just one player’s motivation. It exposes the deeper philosophical divide that defines modern tennis. Federer represented elegance and artistry; Nadal embodied humility and grit. Djokovic, meanwhile, stands for relentless ambition — the idea that greatness is measured by results, not sentiment.

For years, fans and analysts have argued about who deserves the title of the greatest of all time. Now, with most major records in his favor, Djokovic stands alone statistically — but not necessarily emotionally. The more he wins, the louder the debate grows.

The Price of Greatness

Whether one agrees with Sock or Johnson, the truth is that Djokovic’s story is inseparable from controversy. His hunger for validation — from fans, from history, from himself — fuels both his brilliance and his polarizing image. He is adored by millions but misunderstood by just as many. His pursuit of perfection leaves little room for compromise or softness.

As Sock aptly put it, “You can hate it or love it, but you can’t ignore it. He’s rewriting tennis history in real time.”

Legacy or Obsession?

The fiery exchange between Jack Sock and Steve Johnson won’t be the last time Novak Djokovic’s motives come under scrutiny. Whether he’s chasing Federer’s title count or simply chasing the joy of competition, one fact remains: his impact on tennis is undeniable.

To some, he’s the embodiment of focus and excellence — a man who refused to settle until he surpassed every legend before him. To others, he’s an ego-driven perfectionist who plays not for love, but for legacy.

In the end, perhaps both are true. Greatness often demands a degree of selfishness, and Djokovic’s pursuit of history reflects that timeless truth. Whether he ends with 102, 104, or 110 titles, the debate will rage on — and the tennis world will keep talking. Because when it comes to Novak Djokovic, even his motives are a battleground.