Djokovic informed followers hope for him ‘to not succeed’ in backhanded ‘villain’ comment

Jun 10, 2023 at 6:38 AM
Djokovic informed followers hope for him ‘to not succeed’ in backhanded ‘villain’ comment

Novak Djokovic has obtained an fascinating evaluation from certainly one of his personal rivals. John Millman defined how the Serb was truly a hero regardless of being seen because the villain. But Djokovic received’t be too completely happy understanding that loads of tennis followers hope he received’t succeed.

Despite holding probably the most weeks at No 1 and being tied with Rafael Nadal for probably the most males’s Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has typically been identified for his off-court actions as a lot as his tennis. The world No 3 has now been defended by Millman, although he received’t get pleasure from being the tennis world’s typecast villain. 

The Australian professional informed the true story of the person that has typically precipitated controversy for views on vaccines and – extra not too long ago – politics. Writing for News.com.au, Millman stated: “For the last fifteen years Roger and Rafa, our cape donning warriors, have delighted adoring crowds.

“But for this story to work we needed an anti-hero of equal brilliance. Enter Novak Djokovic.” The former world No 33 branded Djokovic one of many video games biggest gamers as he continued: “Over the years I’ve danced with the devil, (and he whooped me on several occasions!), but the more I danced the more I realised that our game’s most divisive player was perhaps not a villain, but a hero in disguise.”

Millman shone a light-weight on Djokovic’s continued contributions to the lower-ranked gamers and past. And he hoped that tennis followers would come round to see the great that the world No 3 did.

He wrote: “Whether it was being one of the first players to donate to the bushfire appeal when Australia was burning, fronting a PTPA (Players Association) to better represent players, being a UNICEF national ambassador or donating over a million euros for medical equipment during the Covid pandemic he has often taken the criticism from the media whilst helping those in need behind the scenes.

“Novak will always divide opinion. He certainly has strong beliefs and unwavering principles that might not be agreeable. For some he will always be someone we hope not to succeed. I believe in time though more people will come to realise what his colleagues already know, Novak is a hero dressed as a villain. And that was exactly what our sport needed.”

While Djokovic’s colleagues are filled with reward, the 36-year-old nonetheless received’t wish to be the person that spectators are rooting towards. The 22-time Grand Slam winner has typically thrived in hostile environments, utilizing any cheers towards him as motivation to win matches.

But he confirmed simply how a lot fan help meant to him throughout his 2021 US Open ultimate defeat. The Serb was in tears earlier than Daniil Medvedev served out the match and later stated: “I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York.

“The crowd made me very special. They pleasantly surprised me. I did not expect anything, but the amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something that I’ll remember forever.”