Goran Ivanisevic slams media for ‘thrashing’ Novak Djokovic, rating 2021 Australian Open as his ‘sweetest’
Goran Ivanisevic says Novak Djokovic’s 2021 Australian Open title success “tastes the sweetest of them all” as it comes on the back of a year in the world No 1 was “thrashed by some media”.
Djokovic won a ninth Norman Brookes Challenge Cup at Melbourne Park to move to 18 Grand Slam titles, brushing aside Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final.
Comment: We are entering a new era in tennis…. where Novak Djokovic will be crowned the greatest
His victory came on the back of challenging year and his coach Ivanisevic took plenty of delight in his latest milestone as he believes the Serbian has been unfairly criticised by “some media”.
“Personally, as a coach and as a fan of Djokovic, this title tastes the sweetest of them all,” he told Tennis Majors.
“Novak would probably say Roland Garros 2016 or his first Wimbledon, but for me, after a year in which he was thrashed by some media from all disposable weapons… It feels really good. At the same time, it could turn out that this title was extremely important in the broader context (race for the most Slam titles).
“It was hectic, something we have not experienced before – 42 days in Australia, quarantine, the injury, crowd leaving in the middle of a match because of the lockdown, bleak atmosphere for a few days and then the perfect final match that Novak played from every aspect.”
Novak Djokovic’s father hits out at Western media over their negative portrayal of his son
Djokovic has long endured an uneasy relationship with the media, but things went further south in 2020 as he was criticised for organising the controversial Adria Tour during the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
And when tennis eventually resumed, the world No 1 was disqualified from the US Open after he accidentally hit a linesperson in the throat while attempting to return a ball to a ball kid.
Meanwhile at this year’s Australian Open, Djokovic was accused of faking an injury after he pulled up midway during his third-round match against Taylor Fritz.
“Everything started with the Adria Tour; they were after him even before that, but in the last year it seemed to me as if I am watching that film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (laughs),” Ivansevic explained.
“Why is he being treated that way? Probably because of his background, people from Balkans are always looked at differently; also, Novak is not afraid to speak his mind and to fight for causes he believes in. What happened at the US Open, it was as if everyone was glad because that kind of shit happened to him.
“In Australia he stood up for his fellow players and again – let’s kick Djokovic because he is the only one to speak up, everyone else stays silent. Throughout my career I have witnessed players doing all sorts of things, but nobody got the kind of treatment Novak does.
Then, the cherry on top… How shall I put this? The most perfidious, actually the saddest thing were accusations that he was faking an injury. Why on earth would he do that? Why would the best player in the world make up an injury, and he was up two sets to love at that point?! When some other top player is injured, it is considered a heroic act for them to even step on the court. But when it is Novak, he is faking it.
“Somehow he manages to deal with all of that. And the injury occurred in the third round, it is not like the tournament was nearing its end; no, he needed four more wins, and not against some unknown players. [Milos] Raonic, then [Alexander] Zverev, [Aslan] Karatsev did not reach the semi-finals by accident, and finally Medvedev, who is the best in the world in the last three months. It is just amazing.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Pundit identifies turning point in Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner match – ‘It was on Sinner’s racket’
‘Phenomenal’ Carlos Alcaraz praised for changing tactics.
-
ATP Tour
What Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Jannik Sinner means for rankings as Novak Djokovic opens door for chasing pack
Carlos Alcaraz claimed a double win at the Indian Wells Open.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz reveals what gives him extra motivation to beat Jannik Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz also revealed how he changed his game to beat Jannik Sinner.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner reveals huge injury scare in comment to Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells
Jannik Sinner appeared to suffer wrist and calf injuries in his defeat against Carlos Alcaraz.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner crashes to his first defeat of the season in epic Indian Wells showdown
Jannik Sinner’s unbeaten start to 2024 brought to a thumping end by Carlos Alcaraz.
-
News
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner set to have their friendship pushed to breaking point
Alcaraz and Sinner have built up a strong bond, but that is set to be tested.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev reveals his biggest peeve and why he is proud of his daughter
Daniil Medvdev reveals what he hates most.
-
WTA Tour
Ex-coach Darren Cahill breaks his silence on the end of Simona Halep’s doping ban
Simona Halep has been lauded by her former coach Darren Cahill ahead of her comeback at the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Stan Wawrinka issues dire warning against Premium Tour proposal
Stan Wawrinka has warned against what he suggested was an attempted power grab by the Grand Slams.
-
Tennis News
Tommy Paul savours ‘the good life’ as Sunshine Swing serves up barbeques with Paige Lorenze and match wins
Tommy Paul couldn’t be happier right now.