via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia embrace at the net after their singles match during Day Five of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia embrace at the net after their singles match during Day Five of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
The reputation of Novak Djokovic might be in question worldwide, but never in Serbia. Recently, Viktor Troicki, compatriot and future Davis Cup and ATP Cup caption, provided his inputs on the subject matter. Along with that, the 35-year-old also revealed some unfortunate news for his fans.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Cup – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 5, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during his group stage match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Viktor has confirmed that 2021 will be the last season of his career. Although he has won only three ATP titles, he is famous for winning all three team-country tournaments, representing Serbia.
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In the interview, Viktor spoke about Djokovic’s recent losses, Grand Slam chances, and the criticism he receives from the media. He also highlighted how the success of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal affected the current World Number 1.
Read More: Rafael Nadal Includes Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer in His Friends List on ATP Tour
Viktor Troicki on Novak Djokovic
Firstly, the interviewer inquired whether he met Novak Djokovic after his Serbia Open semifinal loss against Aslan Karatsev. Viktor joked that he could not as the Serbian ace left immediately after the match ended.
The question brought them to analyze the 18-time Grand Slam champion’s loss in Monte-Carlo Masters and Serbia Open. As per his countryman, the defeats account for nothing on the road to Roland Garros.
“The fact that Novak has now lost in two tournaments in a row does not mean much because his priority this season is the Grand Slams. It is not a true picture of his form; he will be the strongest in the biggest tournaments,” Viktor said.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 18, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his semi final match against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Following that, the 2010 Davis Cup winner realized that the task at hand is easier said than done. Thus, Viktor insisted that Djokovic has better chances of winning in the last two major tournaments.
“It will not be easy in Paris, but it will definitely be a favorite at Wimbledon and the US Open. He should take another Grand Slam this year,” he said. (All quotes are translated from Bosnian to English via Google Translate).
Viktor compares Djokovic’s success with Federer and Nadal
Then, the veteran Serbian explained that because Djokovic matched places with Federer and Nadal, people do not like him.
“We all see that aversion. It is very easy to see. The fact is that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were at the top before Nole appeared, and then suddenly a guy from Serbia came and won all the tournaments. That doesn’t please others,” Viktor explained.
However, he then praised the 36 Masters 1000 champion’s compassion for his fellow tennis players. “He is, above all, a well-meaning man, he wants to help everyone, which he has shown many times,” he concluded.
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To sum up, the reigning Australian Open champion has a long road ahead of him to reach his best before the French Open 2021. All the more, it is the only way he could close the gap on the G.O.A.T race this year.
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Do you think Novak can win another Grand Slam in 2021?
Read More: WATCH: When Novak Djokovic Applauded Rafael Nadal’s Mind-Boggling Tweener at Madrid Open
