Todd Martin lauds Novak Djokovic despite hate from Fedal fans

Todd Martin believes that Novak Djokovic made peace with the fact that he will always be less popular amongst The Big Three.

Todd Martin lauds Novak Djokovic despite hate from Fedal fans

Novak Djokovic (Image Credit: CNN)

Former American tennis legend Todd Martin had the opportunity to become part of Novak Djokovic’s team in 2009-10. As his coach, he got to know the current World No.1 up close and personally. This was the time when Novak Djokovic was trying to build his own identity moving out from the shadows of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal who had already established themselves at world stage.

Todd Martin helped Novak Djokovic to improve his performance in the Majors and ATP tournaments. During this time, the Serbian helped his country to win Davis Cup and his career’s first Paris Masters title.

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Since then he has added 21 Grand Slam titles and 88 ATP tournaments in his illustrious career. However, many still compare him to the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and consider him lesser to both even though he with the Spaniard equals the number of Grand Slam titles. Todd Martin explains this phenomena but also gives his opinions on Novak Djokovic in a recent interview.

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“Anyone could understand that’s in part because Roger and Rafa were excellent before him. He is the third person to enter into a stratosphere where the firsts two are admirable in every way in their lives. I think he’s done a really good job with being the person that he wants to be, and he values those who support him passionately,” Mr. Martin said.

“To me stands to reason and I think Novak have peace with it. He’s got his slice of the pie, and they have theirs. With his maturity he appears undistracted by what fans says,” Mr. Martin continued.

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Todd Martin reminisces Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic’s encounter in the French Open 2022

Todd Martin on Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal's French Open 2022 Quarter-final
Todd Martin on Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s French Open 2022 Quarter-final

The former American tennis professional has seen many shades of Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic rivalry over the years. However, there are some matches which are memorable for both the fans and critics. The Australian Open 2012 final is one of them. It went on for more than 5 hours with Novak Djokovic emerging as the winner.

However, here Todd Martin remembers the Quarter-final match played between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. In this match, the Serbian seemed upset with the overwhelming support the Spaniard was enjoying and he made his disappointment known. Todd Martin shares his take on this.

“There’s a difference between being bothered in the momento…I was always very forgiven by linespeople and officials. When I got a bad call, it bothered me but it didn’t bother me away from the tennis. From that moment I just didn’t like it. So, I think there’s a difference between losing and not being happy about the crowd support during a match, and making that actually impact your career,”Mr. Martin added further.

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