“He’s like the anti-hero,” Chris Evert comments on Novak Djokovic’s mental ability and determination

Chris Evert appreciates the determination and mental strength Novak Djokovic has to win titles.

“He’s like the anti-hero,” Chris Evert comments on Novak Djokovic’s mental ability and determination

Evert and Djokovic

Former player and legend, Chris Evert lauds Novak Djokovic on his mental ability and determination to win matches. She showers praises on the world No.1 and tells that he will always be the favorite to win the titles when he is playing. On Monday, the ongoing Djokovic saga took another turn when it was announced that the Serbian tennis player would not participate in the Indian Wells tournament and probably not the Miami Open.

As a result, Djokovic can now focus on preparing for the clay-court season, where he intends to surpass Rafael Nadal by winning his 22nd Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros in June. Additionally, he aims to match Serena Williams‘ Open Era record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

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Speaking to the Eurosport, Evert said, “Yeah, I think the more somebody tells Novak he can’t do this, the more determined he is. When he has control of the situation, it gives him more fuel and it makes him more determined to succeed, and stick it in everybody’s face at the same time, make his point. He is like the anti-hero sometimes, he seems to really rise to the occasion when he is challenged and when he’s told ‘no’.”

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She further added, “It is an open field if Novak is not playing in the tournament. If he is playing in the tournament, he is always going to be the favorite. So even though he is not playing a full schedule because he can’t because of the vaccination, I think in everybody’s minds it really doesn’t matter. He is still the No. 1 in the world.”

Related: GOOD ONE! Wimbledon to allow Russian and Belarussian players in summer of 2023

Novak Djokovic still optimistic about playing in Miami

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is still holding out hope for an exemption from Covid-19 travel restrictions so that he can participate in the Miami Open. Djokovic, who has won the Miami Open six times and the Indian Wells five times, is currently unable to enter the United States due to his vaccination status.

Despite having his request for an exemption denied before the Indian Wells tournament, Djokovic is hoping that the upcoming lifting of travel restrictions for unvaccinated non-citizens in May will work in his favor.

Nevertheless, he is not too worried about missing these tournaments as he is targeting Roland Garros. With Rafael Nadal being not at his best lately, this will be a good chance for the Serbian to win his third Grand Slam.

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“The guy can overcome almost anything,” Chris Evert praises Novak Djokovic’s mental toughness

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