Former British number one Annabel Croft believes some of the treatment Novak Djokovic has received from fans has been ‘painful to watch’.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who make up the other two players in the ‘Big Three’, have often benefitted from having the crowd onside during their encounters against the Serb, though Djokovic still maintains a winning record against the two stars.
Ahead of Djokovic’s bid to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the Calendar Slam, Croft praised the world number one for withstanding ‘cruel’ treatment from fans across the globe.
“I really hope Novak gets the adulation and love that he is deserving of given his achievements in the game.
“Having grown up in the [John] McEnroe era and he was so unpopular in the 1980s. He was vilified as the real baddie of the sport.
“He dominated the headlines for being brattish and someone said to me at the time that in due course, he will get the love and I think that can also happen with Djokovic.”
