Serbian Novak Djokovic poses for a photo with his eighth Australian Open trophy of his career. (Getty Images)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
