Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Bronze medal match – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno of Spain REUTERS/Edgar Su
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Bronze medal match – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno of Spain REUTERS/Edgar Su
Novak Djokovic, the current world number 1, has been criticized for showing his frustrations on the court during the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The 18-time Major champion, Chris Evert, believed that the Serbian had a ?very good chance? of winning the ?Golden Slam? this year. However, she extended her support to the Serb by tweeting about his greatness post his defeat.
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Great article?.I like Novak. He?s human. He?s smart. He?s evolved and thoughtful about improving the sport for players. He gives back to his country. He admits his shortcomings. He has passion. He?s not afraid to get into the trenches?.Let?s start to celebrate his greatness? https://t.co/WWDY6NZ4GW
? Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 2, 2021
Having won the Roland Garros as well as Wimbledon early this year, the Serb was expected to sweep the “Golden Slam”. In spite of his previous records, he did not seem to be his usual self as he walked onto the court for his Olympics bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno Busta.
It was definitely disappointing to watch Djokovic succumb to frustration while he was playing against the Spaniard. Not only was he not able to perform well, but the fact he was showing his anger by smashing his racquet was indeed not a pleasant sight!
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Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Semifinal – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 30, 2021. Alexander Zverev of Germany with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning his semifinal match REUTERS/Mike Segar
Novak Djokovic shows frustration on the court- fans dislike his behavior
Post his semi-finals against the world number 5, A. Zverer, the Serb told the media that he felt terrible. He?s not exactly someone to not pick his words carefully, either. What we can surely all agree on is that he is honest. In fact, some might say, with justification, that he is often too honest with the press for his own good.
Of course, that is not to say that Djokovic was right to express his frustration as he did. Indeed, he has admitted that himself, apologized, and owned it.
?It?s not nice of course but it?s part of, I guess, who I am,? he said after the match. ?I don?t like doing these things.”
?I?m sorry for sending this kind of message but we?re all human beings and sometimes it?s difficult to control your emotions.?
Strangely, the apology was not as well covered as the outrage.
What is particularly difficult to reconcile, though, is that the same press who have picked up and are championing the current mental health debate in sport is also leading the vilification of Djokovic.
