While praise rains down on Rafael Nadal following the announcement of his retirement, Nicolas Mahut believes that Novak Djokovic will not receive the same treatment.
There were tears for the retirement of Roger Federer, during the Laver Cup 2022. There will be others for Rafael Nadal, when the Spaniard bows out in a month at the end of the final phase of the Davis Cup, in Malaga.
With the farewells of these two legends, a whole part of the history of tennis is coming to an end, a huge page is being turned. Nadal and Federer, beyond all the titles they were able to win, were the two most popular players of their time. When they announce that it’s the end, it’s the feelings that speak. But will the same be true for Novak Djokovic? Nicolas Mahut doubts it.
« We know that we are already nostalgic for the emotions that we experienced when seeing Nadal play,
reacted the Eurosport consultant. I want to say that it is a small death even more for the others than for him. Regarding Novak, when he stops, I’m trying to know what tribute he will receive, what emotion will exist in people when we see what Federer and Nadal have created, we will quickly find out in fact. »
Djokovic not as liked
It is certain that if Djokovic was able to rise to the level of Federer and Nadal in terms of prize lists, even to the point of surpassing them, the Serbian has never managed to rise to their height in the hearts of tennis lovers. This is felt in every tournament, it is palpable, and Djokovic ended up embracing this unloved role, culminating in the Wimbledon 2019 final against Federer.
When he says stop in turn, Djokovic will certainly receive many signs of respect. But love? Less than Federer and Nadal, without a doubt.
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