“Tarnish the image of a legend”- Novak Djokovic fans hit with nostalgia as the Serbian legend’s kind gesture from 2018 US Open resurfaces online

Novak Djokovic faced heat from the fans for his comments after win over Adrian Mannarino.

“Tarnish the image of a legend”- Novak Djokovic fans hit with nostalgia as the Serbian legend’s kind gesture from 2018 US Open resurfaces online

Novak Djokovic (Image via x)

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has been facing heat from the fans for his comments after a win against Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round at the 2024 Australian Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, after his 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 win over the Frenchman claimed that he deliberately lost a game in the third set. While Djokovic gave his reasons, the tennis fans were left disappointed.

Many claimed that it was insulting to Mannarino. Fans felt that Djokovic making that statement was demeaning to his opponent. This led to criticism of the Serbian ace. However, Djokovic’s fans have come forward to defend their hero by citing an example from the past.

YouTube video

A Novak Djokovic fan posted about an incident from the 2018 US Open when the Serb had consoled Juan Martin Del Porto after he was heartbroken following a defeat in the final. The user claimed that Djokovic has always been compassionate towards his opponents. The user also shared Proto’s quotes highlighting how Djokovic asked the Argentine to feel proud instead of being sad.

FS Video
Novak is a friend that tennis gave me. During that hug he told me that I was an inspiration for him and that he admired how I came back and that beyond the sadness I should feel proud and enjoy how much people love me. I will remember his words forever.
Reads the quote.

Novak Djokovic fans blame the media for tarnishing his image

The above post from the Novak Djokovic fan got support from other users who claimed that the media is always behind the 36-year-old, trying to tarnish his image. A user claimed that the media would never show these testimonials and instead focus on stories that show Djokovic in a negative light.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via Business Insider)
The media will never share these great testimonies. All they do is look for anything that will tarnish the image of a Legend. Novak remains the best of all time
The user commented under the Novak Djokovic appreciation post.

A few others joined hands to defend Novak Djokovic. Check out the different sets of reactions below.

https://twitter.com/mojkolac/status/1749214410479116556

Novak Djokovic has taken the initiative to console his opponents when they lose against him in many instances. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has also lauded his opponents after losing against them. For example, the Serbian heaped massive praise on Carlos Alcaraz when the Spanish youngster beat him in a five-set thriller in the 2023 Wimbledon Final.

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