'Unacceptable': Tennis great lashes out over 'crazy' Novak Djokovic moment
Tennis great Boris Becker has called for Novak Djokovic to finally receive the respect he deserves after watching the 20-time grand slam champ breakdown mid-match in the US Open final.
From the start Djokovic couldn't find the answer even if the crowd rallied behind the Serb's quest for tennis immortality as he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final.
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However, fans watched around the world as the weight of expectations came crashing down on Djokovic as arguably the greatest ever play broke down in tears.
Recently, 2020 US Open champ Dominic Thiem said the pressure on the World No.1 was 'inhuman'.
Now, Djokovic's former coach and tennis great Becker has jumped to the defence of the World No.1.
Becker said he had never seen the pictures that unfolded in the US Open final as Djokovic covered his face with a towel and broke down.
Becker called for the Serb to receive similar adoration that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal receive from crowds after showing how much it all means to him.
"It was an incredible situation, a crazy moment in time," Becker said, to Eurosport, of Djokovic's emotions on the court.
"I know Novak privately and professionally, and I can only say that he is a fine guy. A competitor who sometimes misbehaves on the court, but who doesn't?
"The public, including the media, really have to get used to the fact that there are not just two, but three [legends], who have great qualities as players and as individuals.
"It is not acceptable that Novak is always the bad guy and roger and raga are always the good guys. That is unfair.
"I hope that these two weeks in New York, the final, the following speech and the reaction of the New York audience will ensure that he is finally seen in a different light."
Becker questions Novak Djokovic's schedule
Becker said in retrospect, Djokovic may have thought twice about travelling to the Tokyo Olympics ahead of his US Open stint where he was going for a calendar grand slam.
The German admitted the rigours of the Olympic village and the added pressure may have counted against him in the long haul.
However, right after the final, Becker added he had never seen Djokovic so 'clueless' on the court against a marvellous Medvedev.
"He didn't want to become one of the best - he wanted to become the best, and he would have underlined that with a victory here today," he added on Eurosport.
"I have never seen Novak so clueless."
But despite the straight-sets loss, Djokovic says he was just happy his chase for grand slam perfection in 2021 was finally over.
When asked in his post-match press conference to describe his emotions, the 34-year-old said: "Relief."
"I was glad it was over because the build up for this tournament and everything that mentally, emotionally I had to deal with throughout the tournament in the last couple of weeks was just a lot."
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