Top
Novak Djokovic US Open 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, US Open Tennis

‘Unacceptable that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy,’ says Boris Becker


Boris Becker hopes Novak Djokovic will be seen in a different light after the US Open and says he has been ‘unfairly treated’ in comparison with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic was denied a chance at history at Flushing Meadows after a straight sets victory for Daniil Medvedev denied the Serbian a first Calendar Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

Despite his defeat, Djokovic’s display of sheer emotion won the hearts of the US Open faithful, with the world number one later paying an emotional tribute to the crowd for for their support.

“I’ve never seen Novak cry on the tennis court. He must have really gone to his limit, or over the limit, emotionally,” said Becker.

“It is not acceptable that Novak is always the bad guy and Roger and Rafa are always the good guys – that is unfair. I know Novak privately and professionally, and I can only say that he is a fine guy.

“A competitor who sometimes misbehaves on the court, but who doesn’t?

“The public, including the media, really have to get used to the fact that there are not just two, but three (legends), who have great qualities as players and as individuals.”

Becker was also full of praise for Djokovic’s honesty post-match, and said he could comprehend why the occasion got the better of him.

“With all the expectations on himself, he must have been asked every day since Wimbledon whether he would win the Grand Slam or become the record holder with 21 majors,” said Becker.

“It came over him, so to speak. His speech after the event was all the more remarkable.

“Still with wet eyes he explained to the New Yorkers, ‘today is the most beautiful day of my life, because finally I feel that I am respected and loved’.

“And this on a day when he could not take advantage of what might have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win all the majors in one year.”


By
0

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.