‘He Wants People to Love Him’: Daria Kasatkina Says Novak Djokovic is Not ‘Real’ Like Rafael Nadal

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic had seen more than his fair share of controversy before the Australian Open 2022. The Serbian champion was unable to defend his title at the Happy Slam.

Not only did the Australian government bar him from playing in the major, but also deported him from the country. Naturally, the entire tennis community, fans and players alike, opined about the issue.

Now, Daria Kasatkina, former World No. 10 who is now at the 22nd spot, has shared her views on Novak Djokovic. She talks about the deportation, as well as Djokovic’s attempts to gain the public’s favor.

Kasatkina says Novak Djokovic pretends to be someone he isn’t

Speaking to Eurosport Russia, WTA World No. 22 Daria Kasatkina talked about a statement she had made last year. “The more you pour out, the more you give to the world of yourself,” she had stated.

Expanding upon her statement, she expressed how it’s okay if “people don’t like who you are.” For her, “it’s better than when people like you for who you are not”.

When asked for such an example from the tour, she named none other than World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. According to Kasatkina, Novak Djokovic “wants people to love him.”

Moreover, she described how Djokovic “tries to do everything for this, but it does not work.” Then, she stated how “it feels like something is not right,” when it comes to Novak Djokovic and his affected behavior.

ALSO READ: Could Novak Djokovic Defend His French Open Title in 2022 Following Strict Guidelines?

Furthermore, she also compares Djokovic to Rafael Nadal, who, according to Daria, “is real.” She stated how Rafa doesn’t smash rackets, and how he vents his emotions on the court in a different manner. In fact, Daria even praised Rafa’s catchphrase “Vamos,” stating how everybody loves it.

“The pretense is visible,” Daria said, expressing how very few people like to see someone try to “seem like they are not.”

Djokovic could potentially win his 21st Grand Slam on Rafa’s turf

Following his deportation from Australia, Novak Djokovic lost the chance to compete for a record 21st Grand Slam. Instead, that piece of history went to Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who won an epic five-setter final to lift the Australian Open trophy.

Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic’s participation in the French Open 2022 had been doubtful. Ever since the French government passed stringent new laws regarding unvaccinated individuals, it was almost certain that Novak would not be able to compete at Roland Garros.

Not only would the Serb have been unable to play, but he would also have lost another title without defending it. However, things now look favorable for the World No. 1, as the ATP has released new guidelines according to the French government’s laws.

In fact, it seems like having contracted the coronavirus in December 2021 could be the reason Djokovic would be able to secure an exemption to play in France.

All he would have to do was stay separately from the doubly-vaccinated players, and not go out in public places in France.

But if that translates to a potential 21st Grand Slam and a third French Open title, it’s a fair deal, wouldn’t you agree?

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘It’s a Joke’: John McEnroe Furious Over Novak Djokovic’s Deportation From Australia