Novak Djokovic Embraces Role as Tennis Villain, Receives High Praise from John McEnroe

“I put myself in that mix with Roger and Rafa. I came in as third, so to speak, but for many years I felt there was no room for three, so I had to deal with that,” Djokovic said in an interview with Eurosport expert John McEnroe on “ESPN”.

Ultimately, he came to terms with the fact that he doesn’t enjoy the same popularity as Federer or Nadal: “It’s okay. In the end, I accepted the role that I might have as the ‘villain of tennis’.”

“If I wasn’t from Serbia, I would have been taken to heaven many years ago,” he said.

John McEnroe praises Djokovic highly

Interview partner McEnroe sees Djokovic as “in every respect one of the most remarkable athletes you can see in any sport. The drive, the hunger, the will that he still has after all his success is crazy,” said the US -American.

McEnroe assured that he loved Federer, idolized Rod Laver and had the greatest respect for Nadal. “But this guy. I don’t even know where to start. You just have to admire him. Novak is one in a billion.”

Djokovic defends Alcaraz: “Needs to rest too”

2023-09-16 15:13:00
#Novak #Djokovic #talks #rivalry #Roger #Federer #Rafael #Nadal #villain #tennis