Novak Djokovic’s rivals have confessed that they share the identical worry in the case of dealing with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Denis Shapovalov and Thanasi Kokkinakis sat down with newly-retired Dominic Thiem to debate what it felt wish to play the best gamers.
And the 2 energetic gamers made a determined plea as they urged tennis crowds to not “p***” Djokovic off.
Djokovic has been inflicting bother for generations of tennis gamers. The Serb burst onto the scene later than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal however he went on to surpass their information and now holds essentially the most Main titles within the Open Period, plus essentially the most all-time weeks at No. 1.
Now aged 37, he’s nonetheless posing a menace to younger stars. Djokovic maintained his dominance in opposition to the unique ‘subsequent gen’ group of gamers – Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev – and he can nonetheless grasp with younger weapons Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Shapovalov, who turned 25 this 12 months, and 29-year-old Kokkinakis additionally discovered themselves caught up in Djokovic’s prime they usually mentioned how tough it was to face the Serb – particularly when followers began rooting in opposition to him.
“At the beginning – as a result of Federer was at all times actually welcoming, particularly if you have been youthful, identical as Rafa – however Novak was like, ‘f***, this man doesn’t lose’ and simply drinks juices all day,” Kokkinakis stated, incomes laughs from the remainder of the desk.
Shapovalov has a 0-8 lifetime file in opposition to Djokovic and, even whereas enjoying his greatest tennis, admitted there was no manner of getting previous the present world No. 7.
The Canadian replied: “I bear in mind Paris [Masters], the 12 months I made finals, I performed him within the finals. And I used to be considering, as a result of I heard rumours that he’s been sick all week, you already know? And he was ingesting his juices, such as you stated.
“He’s ingesting stuff on a regular basis. I’m like, ‘Dude, I’ve bought him. I’m enjoying the most effective tennis of my life. The man shouldn’t be feeling good. He’s not 100 per cent.’ Such as you stated, that is my probability! That is it. No probability, the man was toying with me.”
And there was one factor that basically riled Djokovic’s rivals up. Kokkinakis continued: “And the worst is that if the gang makes him p***ed. If he will get p***ed and begins yelling on the crowd, pack your baggage.”
Shapovalov interjected: “No, no, no. It’s over. Then it’s over.” Even Thiem, who retired this 12 months and had a 5-7 file in opposition to Djokovic, chimed in and agreed.
The previous world No. 3 added: “No however it’s so dangerous! Like, please, crowd, please be quiet.”
Shapovalov and Kokkinakis made the identical plea. “Don’t p*** him off,” current Belgrade champion Shapovalov stated. The Aussie added: “Simply preserve him blissful! Hold him blissful.”
Whereas Thiem doesn’t have to fret about dealing with the Serb once more – except they meet in an exhibition sooner or later – Shapovalov and Kokkinakis shall be hoping that crowds take heed to their plea after they subsequent step onto the courtroom to play Djokovic.