"Novak Djokovic understands the field is weak now" - Tennis journalist backs Serb's 'honest' thoughts on his tour dominance
Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg recently praised Novak Djokovic for giving his 'honest' thoughts on his dominance over his fellow players on the ATP tour.
Djokovic reached a record-equalling 46th Grand Slam semi-final on Tuesday, June 11 by beating Andrey Rublev in four sets at Wimbledon. The Serb won 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to stay in the hunt for a record-equalling eighth title at the grass-court Major.
During his on-court interview, Djokovic took a light-hearted dig at the younger players, saying they are still not able to 'get a scalp' while he is on the tour.
"I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win. But it ain't happening, still," he jokingly said.
Rothenberg defended Djokovic for his 'honest' words, opining that the Serb is clearly better than every other player.
"Own that you know you’re better than everybody when you clearly are. Dishonest not to," read his tweet.
Love this from Djokovic today.
Own that you know you’re better than everybody when you clearly are. Dishonest not to.
#Wimbledon https://t.co/9tERvoDucV
When asked by a fan why the Serb had not bragged in such a way during Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's prime years, Rothenberg replied that the 36-year-old knows how "weak" the field is now compared to those days.
"Of course not. He understands the field is weak now, and he’s saying it out loud. Again, honest. It ain’t bragging if it’s true," Rothenberg continued.
Of course not. He understands the field is weak now, and he’s saying it out loud. Again, honest. It ain’t bragging if it’s true.
(I say all this being very curious what Sinner can do on Friday.) twitter.com/physicstweets1…
With his 33rd consecutive win at Wimbledon, Djokovic has earned a semi-final berth for the 12th time at the grass-court Major, which is second only to Federer's 13.
Novak Djokovic says he embraces his position on the tour where 'everyone wants to win against you'
Novak Djokovic has happily acknowledged his current position on the tour where every other player is toiling to win against him. Borrowing the words of legendary tennis player Billie Jean King, he said it is a 'privilege' to be in such a position.
"I love it. I think any tennis player wants to be in a position where everyone wants to win against you. I think it is a privilege, as Billie Jean [King] said," he said during the on-court interview.
The Serb went on to say he embraces the pressure, something that he feels is inevitable for athletes.
"Pressure is part of what we do, it's part of our sport. It's never going to go away," he added.
While the likes of Rublev, Hubert Hurkacz and Jordan Thompson have failed to stop Djokovic at Wimbledon, Jannik Sinner is eager to pull off a statement win against the Serb. He will take on Djokovic in the semifinals on Friday, July 14.
Sinner has been in excellent form lately. The Italian has dropped just two sets over five matches so far at Wimbledon, and his win-loss record on grass this season is 8-2.