“It’s not the guy who hasn’t given up in his career” When Roger Federer made fun of Novak Djokovic for GIVING UP!
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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Amidst all the speculation around Novak Djokovic’s participation at the Australian Open 2022. Let’s recall Roger Federer’s comments about Djokovic at the Australian Open in 2009. The former world No.1 was seen making fun of the current world No.1 for Giving Up.
During the Australian summer of 2009, Novak was playing the quarter-finals of the Australian Open against Andy Roddick. When the Melbourne heat got into him and he decided to quit the match.
Federer after winning his own quarter-final was asked about his views on the surprising result of the match between Djokovic and Roddick. To which the former world No.1 replied that Djokovic is known for ‘Giving Up’
Roger Federer wasn’t surprised by Novak Djokovic Giving Up
Roger Federer was correct when he said that Novak Djokovic is known for giving up. Novak had already quit twice in the latter stages of the grand slams. First, at French Open 2006 in the quarter-finals and Second, at 2007 Wimbledon semi-finals. Both the times the Serb quitted against Rafael Nadal.
During the two-and-a-half-hour match, Djokovic won the first set and then lost two consecutive sets. In the fourth set he was down by a game when the Melbourne heat got to him and he decided to quit the match. This was the first time Djokovic quit because of excessive heat in the stadium.
Federer in his post-match interview said, “Definitely a bit of a surprise you know to see the defending champion go out”.
When the interviewer asked him if he was surprised to watch Novak give up to the heat, he replied, “Well I mean it’s happened before. So I mean It’s not the guy who hasn’t given up in his career you know so that’s kind of disappointing to see you know. You got two top guys playing each other and you give up. I mean he gave up against me in Monaco last year because of his soar throat. So I mean those are the things that you wonder about, I’ve only given up once in my career and it was in Paris when I couldn’t move because of my back you know but Andy would’ve won anyway”.
Federer during his also recalled his memories from Monte Carlo Masters a year back where the Serb quitted the semi-finals due to a soaring throat. The former world No.1 told the anchor that he wasn’t surprised by Djokovic quitting the game since it wasn’t something new.
Although Novak Djokovic has completely changed his game from the past decade as he himself says. Amidst all the chatter going around about Novak Djokovic’s participation at the Australian Open 2022, where he could be playing to become the player with the highest number of grand slams. It is also important to consider that the defending champion won’t hesitate to Opt-out of the Tournament because of his alleged beliefs against the Vaccine.
Also Read: WATCH: Throwback to Novak Djokovic’s hilarious rendition of the Christmas song!
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