Djokovic’s tennis career is one that may never be topped, having won a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles, spending a staggering 428 weeks as world number one in the process.

The 37-year-old is now searching for a 25th Major title, and another slice of history, as he would become the oldest-ever Open Era Grand Slam champion should he win in 2025.

Djokovic retired injured from his Australian Open semi-final match earlier this month, as his dreams were crushed by a hamstring tear.

Whether he can get back to full fitness and win another Major won’t affect his legacy, however, as he could happily retire today as arguably the greatest Serbian athlete of all time.

The Balkan nation have enjoyed Djokovic’s many successes over the past two decades, although he very nearly made a decision back in 2006, that would’ve seen his trophies head somewhere else entirely.

Novak Djokovic nearly chose to represent Great Britain in 2006

During his early years as a professional, Djokovic represented Serbia and Montenegro, a nation that existed until 2006.

In June 2006, Serbia and Montenegro separated, after the Montenegrins voted for independence in a referendum earlier that same year.

Around this time, news broke from the Telegraph that Djokovic was considering a move to Great Britain, in a bid to receive better support and sponsorship.

A spokesman for the Lawn Tennis Assosciation (LTA) confirmed that Djokovic’s mother, Dijana Djokovic, had engaged in ‘initial discussions’ concerning a move.

It was understood that Djokovic’s decision was influenced by the ongoing situation in his home country.

However, as no member of Djokovic’s family had British ancestry, they would’ve had to qualify for their passport through residency rules, which may have taken quite some time.

During ‘negotiations’ between Djokovic’s family and the LTA, Serbia and Montenegro took on Great Britain in Glasgow, at the Davis Cup.

In a thrilling, and topical tie, a young Djokovic led Serbia and Montenegro to victory on the Glaswegian carpet.

Djokovic won both of his matches in what some believed could be his final Davis Cup tie before switching to compete for Great Britain.

In an interview at the French Open not long after, the Serb spoke about the pressure he was under to make a decision.

“It’s big pressure, for sure, from my country, from the media and from the people,” he said.

“I just don’t want to talk or think about it any more.”

It was unknown exactly how long after a decision Djokovic would become eligible to play for Great Britain at the Davis Cup, but as the International Tennis Federation required a two year residency rather than citizenship, some expected the star to be suiting up for Team GB by the end of 2009.

Eventually Djokovic committed to playing for Serbia, as Great Britain missed out on the opportunity to have one of the sport’s greatest ever players join their ranks.

Perhaps the decision worked out for both parties, as Serbia won the Davis Cup in 2010, before Great Britain took home the trophy in 2015.

What has Novak Djokovic said about the British crowds recently?

The 37-year-old may have come close to representing Great Britain back in 2006, but that’s not to say he hasn’t had his fair share of run-ins with the British crowds over the years.

Djokovic hit back at the crowd after his fourth round win over Holger Rune at Wimbledon last year, after he took issue with their ‘disrespectful booing’.

“To all those people who have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a good night,” he said in his on-court interview.

When the interviewer suggested that the crowd were simply chanting ‘Rune‘ and not being disrespectful, Djokovic clarified his stance.

“They were, they were, I don’t accept it,” he said.

“I know they were cheering for [Holger] Rune, but that’s an excuse to also boo, listen I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years, so I know all the tricks, I know how it works.

“It’s ok, I focus on the respectful people that have respect, that pay the ticket to come and watch tonight, love tennis, and appreciated the effort that the players put in.

“I’ve played in much more hostile environments trust me, you guys can’t touch me.”

The Serb is a seven-time champion at Wimbledon, and has experienced various highs and lows on Centre Court over the years.

Only time will tell whether Djokovic and the crowd will get along at this year’s tournament which begins on June 30.

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