As Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic this week tries to become the first man to win his sport’s “Grand Slam” in 52 years, he deserves far more support and appreciation than fans usually afford him.

Rarely has anyone arguably the greatest of all-time in his sport been so little a fan favorite — and with so little reason for attracting ambivalence or antipathy. A man of winsome wit, a gracious competitor, and a tremendously generous philanthropist, Djokovic should inspire admiration and popularity. Instead, almost every match at almost every venue features more fans cheering for his opponents than for him.