Novak Djokovic cut a frustrated figure during the Australian Open final as the crowd seemed to be more supportive of his rival Dominic Thiem
Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic feels that people will appreciate him more once he slows things down with tennis, following his win over Dominic Thiem in the summit clash on Sunday.
The Serbian, clearly hungry after all those days of tremendous work and play was in conversation with a TV broadcaster, smacking on an ice-cream when he decided to share his thoughts about his latest triumph.
An eight-time Australian Open champion now, Djokovic was reflective about the incidents which took shape at the court on course to his win over Thiem.
Also, having won the title seven times earlier, he was the supposedly favourite player to bag the coveted trophy.
However, the crowd did not seem to think so and were barracking for Thiem, a maiden Australian Open finalist which left the 32-year old Djokovic fuming.
The fact that the King of Australia still had to fight to win his crowd despite the absence of his compatriots and fan favourites Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer was not so endearing for the 17-time Grand Slam winner.
“Of course. People expect me to say, I mean, to feel special and appreciate this moment and I really do. But I honestly think that biggest appreciation and understanding of the achievements, especially here in Australia where I would love to play the most is going to happen when I actually slow things down with tennis,” reflected Djokovic.
He later said that despite winning it several times he felt that “real understanding came with time” – a statement which could have been a slight dig at the crowd in Australia or maybe more of a self-reflection of him not being the beloved one in the country despite all those titles.
Twitter reacts
Meanwhile, tennis fans from all over the world were quick to react after the crowd’s particularly biased behaviour towards the Slam’s most decorated winner by posting their opinions on Twitter.
The three most reliably crowd-supported players in men’s tennis:
1) Federer
2) Nadal
3) Whoever is playing Djokovic https://t.co/Hd9MBlsvod
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 2, 2020
The elitist crowd at these overpriced-ticket finals is pro-Federer, the dandy prince of tennis. They're Federer fans, not Thiem fans. They'll root for anyone who will keep Novak from surpassing Federer's record. Novak spoiled the Nadal-Federer party; that's why he's "disliked."
— Caio R (@pagliaccimr) February 2, 2020
I don’t think that’s it. He’s a beautiful player but he tries to hard to be loved imo and no one likes needy!
— Rachel Bernstein (@raclibby) February 2, 2020
I have never understood why people don't like @DjokerNole as much….i think there had to be a villan, someone people love to hate, and he drew the short straw. 🤷♀️
I think he is a truly phenomenal player and i love watching him play. I respect his acheivements and his passion❤— Louise C. (@Lou__007) February 2, 2020
— 🎾🤙🏼 (@tennisinaloha) February 2, 2020
TV commentator and former player Jim Courier, who was present during the game also shared his views on events that unfolded during the final.
“Novak is fuming at the crowd right now. He doesn’t want them speaking in play and frankly, that’s just a manifestation of them going so blatantly for Dominic Thiem,” dual Australian Open champion Courier said on Nine’s commentary. “They’re fully, fully supportive of the Austrian right now and the seven-time champion is having a hard time understanding that, it seems like.”
More tennis news
- “I am just grateful to be standing here” – Kenin says her dream came true after winning maiden Australian Open
- “I’ve never been here without them” – Garbine Muguruza thanks team for helping her reach 2020 Australian Open final
- “This is so pure!”, “She’ll win another Grand Slam soon” – Twitter flooded with messages congratulating Kenin on her maiden Australian Open title
Djokovic was humble enough after the match to praise Thiem for his efforts to reach the final, and wished him more success in the future.
