Google News Uncle Toni explains why Novak Djokovic is not as loved as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 48532
Renowned tennis coach Toni Nadal appeared on Tres Iguales podcast and he was asked if he could explain why world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is not as loved as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have been competing against each other for nearly two decades and many consider them as the three greatest players in tennis history.
Djokovic, Nadal and Federer each have 20 Grand Slams in their collection. Earlier this year, Djokovic made it past Federer on the all-time list for most weeks spent as world No. 1. Despite his enormous success, Djokovic has never enjoyed the level of popularity or love that Nadal and Federer enjoy.
"It hurt him to come to the Tour when there was already a very marked rivalry between Roger and Rafa. It was therefore difficult to find a place at that time," Uncle Toni said. "I also think that Novak's ego betrayed him when it comes to having certain behaviors on the Tour which are incompatible with being No.
1."
Djokovic could find himself in a tough spot
Djokovic, a record nine-time Australian Open champion, indicated a few times that he didn't get the vaccine and that he would like not to be forced into taking the jab. Last week, Victoria Premier Dan Andrews suggested that unvaccinated players won't be allowed to compete at the Australian Open in 2022.
“[Grand slam] titles won’t protect you,” Victoria Premier Andrews said when asked by reporters. “The only title that will protect you is you being able to have had your first dose and second dose.
“Logic, and numerous conversations with the Prime Minister, tells me that if you are an Australian citizen, you will be allowed home if you haven’t had the jab. “But if you’re coming on a tourist visa or a business visa, so you’re not an Aussie, like, you are coming to visit, the notion of you getting in here without being vaccinated, I thinks very, very low”.
