Former world No 7 on the haters inspiring Novak Djokovic and his golden Grand Slam bid

Kevin Palmer
Novak Djokovic continues to silence his doubters
Novak Djokovic gestures to the crowd

Novak Djokovic has learned how to use negativity from tennis crowds around the world to fuel his passion for more and more Grand Slam success.

That’s the verdict of former world No 7 Barbara Schett, who believes the negativity from fans is now motivating Djokovic to win more and more titles in the final years of his career.

Speaking to Tennis365 as she prepares to join the Eurosport and discovery+’s team during their live coverage of the Australian Open, Schett suggests Djokovic may be unbeatable in Melbourne once again this year as she gave us her exclusive verdict.

Djokovic admitted he was concerned about the reception he might receive from the Australian fans when he returned to the country last year after his deportation over his Covic vaccine stance in January 2022.

And while the Serbian is not always a fans’ favourite at other tournaments around the world, he seems to be a big hero for the Australian Open fans at Rod Laver Arena.

Speaking exclusively to Tennis365, Schett suggested Djokovic uses animosity from the stands to inspire his success.

“Everyone was wondering how he was going to be received in Australia last year, but he had a great reception,” Schett told Tennis365.

“We know Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and there was a lot of Novak Djokovic fans there, a lot of Serbians. There is a lot of Europeans there as well.

“Either way, if the crowd is for him, he takes that energy, but if the crowd are against him it gives him even more motivation to beat his opponent.

“Over the years, he has dealt with the crowds so well. Whatever happens, he uses it to his advantage.

“He has been out there for so long and just knows what to do with every little beat, every little percentage he can get out of anything, he will take it and he will do it.”

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand ranks Novak Djokovic among the all-time sporting greats – and admits he still prefers Roger Federer

Schett believes Djokovic is ready to take on all-comers in Melbourne and possibly across the 2024 tennis season, as she believes he has a chance to complete a golden slam of all four majors and the Olympic Games.

Djokovic’s defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final last July was his only slip-up at a Grand Slam last year and now he is being backed to complete the dream season.

“He got so close last year and could have won that match against Wimbledon against Alcaraz,” continued Schett.

“This is also an Olympic year, so he has a lot to play for. He is already the greatest of all-time, but he wants to go up on the victories in numbers of Grand Slam.

“A big goal will be to win the (calendar) Grand Slam. It’s so hard to do and it is certainly not getting any easier.

“I’m amazed by the physical shape he is in and the year he had last year at his age was just phenomenal. He will be hard to beat.

“To me, he is the favourite in every Grand Slam. He is the guy who can play the best on every surface.

“He just knows how to win in Melbourne, he is the best grass court player because he moves so well and even though clay is his toughest surface, he won the French Open again last year.

“So we are looking forward to seeing what he can do. I’m looking forward to this year. It is going to be epic whatever happens.”

Schett went on to suggest Djokovic’s injury concerns that appeared to contribute to his defeat against Alex de Minaur in the United Cup last week will not derail his Australian Open hopes.

“Last year, he had this injury in Adelaide, a tear in one of his muscles, and he ended up winning the Australian Open,” added the Austrian.

“I’m not sure how much we should read into this problem.

“He didn’t look too concerned. He has his own physio there who has treated his wrist before when he had a problem with it.

“To be honest, I still think he is the absolute favourite and maybe this is something he needs to take that absolute pressure off. Who knows… he is the only one who knows that.

“At the moment, this injury is not a huge concern and he is still the one to beat.

“If someone has won a Grand Slam title ten times and has only lost eight times there in his career, then he has to be a favourite.”

Watch every moment of the Australian Open LIVE and exclusive on Eurosport and discovery+ from 8-28 January 

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