“Novak, you are a great sportsman and a beautiful person.
Daniil Medvedev did not blame his executioner, untouchable this Sunday, February 20 in the final of the Australian Open (7-5, 6-2, 6-2).
As the cleavage around the personality of Novak Djokovic reached its climax in Melbourne, the Russian paid him a vibrant tribute.
“The first pro player I trained with was Novak.
I was 500th in the world, and he was No. 1.
I told myself he wouldn't talk to me, he was like a god to me.
But he spoke to me like a friend.
And since then, that has never changed.
Hand on heart, gaze moved, "Nole" savored: "It's good to know that you think well of me.
A scene anything but harmless, given the context.
Name a more iconic duo.
We'll wait. @ DjokerNole x @RodLaverArena # AO2021 |
#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/EGCkYY1YyF
- #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021
In addition to the disastrous management of its exhibition tournament in Belgrade in times of Covid-19, the creation of a players' union against the advice of Federer and Nadal, or its annoyance at the curfew in Australia (Kyrgios and Nadal did not hesitate to pin him), a supposedly simulated injury story has ignited the Melbourne bubble.
It was in the third round, won in five sets against the American Taylor Fritz.
Victim of his origins?
“This is the height of tensions,” explains ex-French player Nicolas Escudé.
Djokovic says he's torn his abs, that he doesn't know if he can continue.
Except that the Serb ended up lifting the trophy.
"Why did you say that when it was wrong?" Asks Escudé, who commented on the final for Eurosport.
That he had a tear… I don't really believe it.
I don't doubt that he had a glitch, otherwise he deserves an Oscar.
Ironically, the Serbian had already complained of a shoulder injury during the last Roland Garros in the quarter-finals before continuing to the final.
Closer than ever, with his eighteen trophies, to the twenty major titles of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic seems to be moving further away from their level… in terms of image.
"You need a good guy and a bad guy in all rivalries," Escudé analyzes.
The attitude of the public means:
Don't bother to make efforts Novak, we prefer Federer and Nadal to you
.
It always will be.
"
PODCAST. Novak Djokovic, portrait of a huge champion short of recognition
A feeling shared by Enki Bilal, French designer born in Belgrade, interviewed at the end of last year about his compatriot.
But for reasons more linked to the origins of the "Djoker", one of his nicknames.
"Tell me about a champion from an Eastern country who won the hearts of the West?"
I do not know any.
The Serbs were identified as the only culprits in the conflict in the former Yugoslavia (1991-2001) and the people not to be frequented.
Djokovic grew up in this context, he carries this story with him.
Whatever he does, he will not be understood.
He does not have the right profile, he is not considered to be Western.
Remember McEnroe or Connors who were justly loved for their outbursts.
"
Beat Federer and Nadal at all costs
It remains for Novak Djokovic to find an alternative path to legend.
“The only way to exist against Federer (39) and Nadal (34) will be to beat their record for Grand Slam titles, says Escudé.
The numbers will have to speak for themselves.
"
. @ DjokerNole in Grand Slam ...
🇦🇺 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🇫🇷 🏆
🇬🇧 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🇺🇸 🏆🏆🏆 # AusOpen pic.twitter.com/6i43iHgwBg
- Game, Set and Math (@JeuSetMaths) February 21, 2021
Morning essentials newsletter
A tour of the news to start the day
Subscribe to the newsletterAll newsletters
And the boss of the ATP circuit seems able to achieve it.
“Because of his young age (
Editor's note: 33 years old
) and his level of play on all surfaces, Novak is the one who gives the most guarantees.
»But Nicolas Escudé wonders.
"Until when can Nadal stand up?"
Until when will Novak be above the rest?
When will the new generation come to dislodge it?
So many questions that the next edition of Roland-Garros (from May 17 to June 6) could answer.