Boris Becker wanted to come out again in defense of Novak Djokovic after criticism of the Serbian after falling in the final of the US Open against Daniil Medvedev and stay on the verge of breaking the tie at 20 Grand Slam that he has with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal
Speaking to the Eurosport Germany podcast “Das Gelbe von Ball” Becker applauded Djokovic’s performance in the tournament despite failing to win the title. “I know Novak as a person and as a professional and I can only say: ‘Congratulations’. He’s a great kid and a great competitor that sometimes has a short on the track, but who doesn’t? “
Becker was annoyed with the frequent comparisons between Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, in which the Serbian always appears like the bad one of the film. “The public and the media must get used to the fact that there are three tennis players, and not two, who are great as people and as players. It is not acceptable that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal are always the good guys. That’s right. unfair. And I hope that the experience at the US Open, the final, the speech and the reaction of the public will make Djokovic look from another point of view. “
Becker also wanted to give as an example the respect that Djokovic has for other players and the defense he makes of them when they are criticized. “He publicly defended Tsitsipas after the semi-final with Medvedev and is very supportive of other players. This is something that is rarely talked about and hardly appreciated. He is very understanding. I hope for him and his family that he is treated more fairly from now on. “
The German legend was also asked about Djokovic’s tears before falling to Medvedev in the final. “I had never seen Djokovic cry on a tennis court. He must have exceeded his emotional limit, with all the expectations and all the questions about the 21st Grand Slam. That took hold of him. His speech after the final was impeccable., and that coincided with the day he was able to complete the Grand Slam the same year. It was incredible. It made it overlooked that the winner was Daniil Medvedev and not Novak Djokovic. “
Becker also admitted that, at this US Open, the younger players have made themselves known and that they will start to make things very difficult for Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. “Young people have taken a step forward. I think Djokovic will continue to play a very important role next year and I wish Rafa Nadal to return and even win again at Roland Garros and for Federer to recover. and play one or two more tournaments. But there are young players like Alcaraz, Rune, Sinner, Auger-Aliassime, Zverev, Tsitsipas, and Medvdev. We’ve been talking about them for years, about when they were going to make it. And that has happened! “