Coach Patrick Mouratoglou suggests that Novak Djokovic’s victories over tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have contributed to a global backlash against the Serbian player. Djokovic, with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, often faces a hostile crowd. Mouratoglou highlights that while Federer and Nadal, also part of the Big Three, did not face similar reactions, Djokovic’s success against them led to resentment from fans.
Mouratoglou acknowledges that Djokovic’s negative reception is not solely due to his on-court achievements. He believes Djokovic sometimes provokes the crowd, noting that the player claims to dislike negativity but may use booing to his advantage during matches. Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains immensely popular in Serbia, boasting a massive following on Instagram.
Mouratoglou, speaking at the UTS London, emphasizes Djokovic’s significant impact on tennis and suggests that the sport will miss him when he eventually retires.
In response to the criticism, Djokovic acknowledges that he has grown accustomed to playing in hostile environments. Despite the pressure, he continues to excel in Grand Slam and other major tournaments, explaining that he has learned to thrive in such conditions. Djokovic admits that while he performs well under negative circumstances, he genuinely prefers playing in a supportive and positive environment. The Serbian player recently shared these insights on a segment of 60 Minutes on CBS News.
