The vast majority of tennis players on the ATP circuit were in favor of Novak Djokovic because of the treatment he received from the Australian government just a year ago when he decided not to get vaccinated against Covid-19. One of those who always showed his support for the winner of 21 Grand Slams was the Croatian Marin Cilic, who reiterated his admiration for the way in which the Serb recovered from a season in which they turned their backs on him time and time again.
«Congratulations to Novak, because he endured a huge emotional hardship in January of last year. Whatever happened was not fair to him, definitely not. As a sportsman, having to remember and go through all that is absolutely disastrous, it’s really complicated.
However, once again he has shown that he has the impressive ability to stay focused, to stay mentally focused,” said the 2014 US Open champion. “He was able to win a Grand Slam after everything he went through, so congratulations.
He managed to play at a high level and finished the season in a fantastic way. After the US Open, we met in Tel Aviv, but also in Kazakhstan and Bercy he played at an incredible level. I wish him the best for this new season”, added the experienced 34-year-old player.
It should be noted that throughout the long journey that both have had on the tour, they have met a total of 21 times where ‘Nole’ took 19 wins and only two losses, another one that he has suffered on multiple occasions with the Serbian. on the track.
What is the main confrontation you remember between Novak Djokovic and Maric Cilic?
Djokovic on his relationship with Kyrgios
Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he is in talks with Nick Kyrgios to play a practice match.
«Well, we’re talking to the Australian Open about doing something a week before the tournament starts. Yeah, I’ve talked to Nick and I’d like to play him, and he’s agreed, but he wants shorter sets.
Let’s see if that works,» he revealed. “I wasn’t his favorite guy, let’s put it that way, for many years. But he was one of the few who stood by me last year, and I respect and appreciate him.
In those moments, you can see who really supports you and who is by your side and who follows, I guess, the flow of society and the pressures that the media puts on you,” he said. “He was giving me full support. in moments where I was challenged a lot, and him as an Australian, I respected him a lot. Since then, our relationship has changed for the better,» he added.
