“After a year in which he was thrashed by some media, the Australian Open title feels special,” Goran Ivanisevic on Novak Djokovic’s ‘sweetest victory’
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Novak Djokovic captured his unprecedented ninth Australian Open title as he defeated the Russian, Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final. In all fairness, the Australian Open 2021 was Djokovic’s toughest challenge throughout his career. He suffered an abdominal muscle injury midway through the tournament and was criticized the media for his letter to Craig Tiley.
Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s coach stated that the Serbian’s Australian Open win was the sweetest of all his victories, considering the amount of hurdles he had leap over in Melbourne, both on and off the court.
“Personally, as a coach and as a fan of Djokovic, this title tastes the sweetest of them all. Novak would probably say Roland Garros 2016 or his first Wimbledon, but for me, after a year in which he was thrashed by some media from all disposable weapons…It feels really good,” said Goran Ivanisevic.
“It was hectic, something we have not experienced before – 42 days in Australia, quarantine, the injury, crowd leaving in the middle of a match because of the lockdown, bleak atmosphere for a few days and then the perfect final match that Novak played from every aspect,” the Croatian continued.
It seemed as if I am watching ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ : Ivanisevic on Djokovic’s criticism
Goran Ivanisevic opened up on the unjust criticism the Serbian has been receiving since the past few months. Novak Djokovic has been risking the wrath of the media ever since the Adria Tour mishap, followed by his decision to form the Professional Players Tennis Association. To put the cherry on the cake, Djokovic was defaulted in the fourth round match at the US Open 2020, for accidentally hitting a lineswoman with the ball.
“It seemed to me as if I am watching that film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (laughs). Why is he being treated that way? Probably because of his background, people from Balkans are always looked at differently; also, Novak is not afraid to speak his mind and to fight for causes he believes in. What happened at the US Open, it was as if everyone was glad because that kind of shit happened to him,” Ivanisevic said.
The Croatian also stood up for Djokovic who was heavily criticized in Melbourne for issuing a letter to Craig Tiley. He was also blamed for faking an injury throughout the Australian Open, something which Ivanisevic believes is the saddest accusation.
“In Australia he stood up for his fellow players and again – let’s kick Djokovic because he is the only one to speak up, everyone else stays silent,” the Croat lamented.
“Then, the cherry on top… How shall I put this? The most perfidious, actually the saddest thing were accusations that he was faking an injury. Why on earth would he do that? Why would the best player in the world make up an injury, and he was up two sets to love at that point?! When some other top player is injured, it is considered a heroic act for them to even step on the court. But when it is Novak, he is faking it,” Ivanisevic said.
Also Read: ATP Tennis: ‘Most weeks as World no.1’, Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer
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Nirmit Mehta
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