EXCLUSIVE: Greg Rusedski on Novak Djokovic’s battle to win a popularity contest with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Greg Rusedski believes Novak Djokovic thrives on the animosity that comes his way, even though he admits the world No.1 brings some of the negativity on himself.
Speaking exclusively to Tennis365, former US Open finalist Rusedski admitted the Serbian may never be able to win a popularity contest with his fellow legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, despite his own stunning record of consistency over the last decade.
Yet Rusedski believes Djokovic might have the final laugh, as he closes in on a host of records that could see him crowned as the greatest player of all-time when he hangs up his rackets.
“I think the negativity that he sometimes gets just drives him,” Amazon Prime Sport analyst Rusedski told us.
“Novak is the kind of character who who is not afraid to speak out on controversial matters to say what he feels. When the crowd are against him, he tries to use that as motivation and we have seen example of it working in his favour.”
https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1327601402248572929?s=20
Rusedski went on to reflect on Djokovic’s US Open default in August after he accidentally hit a line judge with a ball as an example of moment when the Serbian let himself down, with his reaction to the incident adding to his woes.
“What happened with Novak at the US Open was an example of how he can get it wrong,” he added. “It was just a situation which just wasn’t handled very well unfortunately because he should have just done a press conference, said sorry and moved on.
“We have all done something wrong on court at times and this was just an accident. There was no malice, no intent to hit the line judge and it was just really bad luck. It was just a fresh thing.
“What Novak should have done is hold his hands up, admit he made a mistake and move on, but instead he left the US Open site and then released a message on social media to say he was sorry. That wasn’t the way he should have done it and if he handled things differently, people who not have given him so much criticism.
“He was disappointed, he had lost his chance to challenge for his 18th Grand Slam, but you have to deal with that. His behaviour that night is not what you expect from the number one player in our sport, whether it’s in tennis or any other sport.”
Amazon Prime members in the UK and Ireland will have exclusive access to live tennis coverage from the Nitto ATP Finals 2020, from Sunday 15th to Sunday 22nd November.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Madison Keys stuns Iga Swiatek for first win over reigning World No 1
Madison Keys swept to a straight sets victory against Swiatek, who looked far from her best.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev to face home hope Taylor Fritz in Cincy last eight
Daniil Medvedev is set for a first competitive meeting with Taylor Fritz.
-
WTA Tour
Petra Kvitova comes through see-saw battle with Ons Jabeur
Petra Kvitova dropped some bombs on Ons Jabeur.
-
US Open
US Open purse passes the $60 million mark
The US Open will be the highest-paying Grand Slam of the year.
-
US Open
What Nick Kyrgios needs to do to compete on the ATP Tour
Greg Rusedski believes Nick Kyrgios would be better off focusing on things that he can control, like his own fitness.
-
US Open
US Open 2022: Injury cloud hangs over women’s draw
Injury concerns have afflicted the big names of the WTA Tour.
-
ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios ‘unravelled’ against Taylor Fritz as pundit says he needs ‘to get stronger’
Injury cloud hanging over Nick Kyrgios ahead of US Open.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray could drop a surprise retirement announcement at any time
Andy Murray feels he will know when he has played his last match.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula TV and streaming info: US Open champion looking to end hoodoo
Can Emma Raducanu win three matches in a row for the first time since the US Open?
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek calls for new balls as she slams ‘horrible’ US Open balls that ‘fly like crazy’
Iga Swiatek feels officials have made a balls-up.