Former World no.1 Boris Becker reckons it not acceptable that Novak Djokovic is always considered as the bad guy of the Tennis world. Djokovic has won everything in the sport but he doesn’t get the respect he deserves from the crowd as well as the media.
The crowd is mostly against Djokovic in any big Grand slam match because of his on-court antics. Djokovic has been involved in a lot of fights with chair umpires and fails to keep his emotions in check.
The Serbian is always compared with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both receive a lot of support from the fans as well as the media for their cool and composed behavior. Meanwhile, Djokovic has been involved in some controversy or the other during his career, which kind of makes him the villain for a lot of supporters.
However, it should be noted that Djokovic has taken Tennis to another level and he has won 20 slam titles and looks good for more. Thus, Djokovic should get the respect he deserves for his accolades.
On the other hand, Djokovic had received support from the New York crowd in the US Open final against Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic could not cross the final hurdle against the Russian but he was filled with emotions after receiving love from the crowd.
“I’ve never seen Novak cry on the tennis court. He must have really gone to his limit, or over the limit, emotionally,” said Becker. “It is not acceptable that Novak is always the bad guy and Roger and Rafa are always the good guys – that is unfair. I know Novak privately and professionally, and I can only say that he is a fine guy.
“A competitor who sometimes misbehaves on the court, but who doesn’t? “The public, including the media, really have to get used to the fact that there are not just two, but three (legends), who have great qualities as players and as individuals.”
Becker lauded Djokovic’s honesty in his post-match speech after losing the US Open final. The former German player feels the occasion got the better of Djokovic as he was nowhere near his best.
“With all the expectations on himself, he must have been asked every day since Wimbledon whether he would win the Grand Slam or become the record holder with 21 majors,” said Becker. “It came over him, so to speak. His speech after the event was all the more remarkable.
“Still with wet eyes, he explained to the New Yorkers, ‘today is the most beautiful day of my life because finally, I feel that I am respected and loved. “And this on a day when he could not take advantage of what might have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win all the majors in one year.”
