Andy Murray asserted that Novak Djokovic has “massive support around the world” and is “extremely well-respected in world sport” as he discussed the legendary Serbian’s popularity.
The British great thinks it has been difficult for Djokovic to not feel the same crowd support as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but feels this has “maybe helped him achieve more.”
Murray and Djokovic are both making their fifth Olympics appearances at the 2024 Games in Paris, where they are chasing medals in the men’s doubles and singles events respectively.
Djokovic is aiming to win a maiden gold medal at the Olympics, which is the only big prize to have eluded him during his staggering career so far. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.
Murray was an Olympic singles champion in 2012 and 2016 and chose to only compete in doubles in Paris in what is the final tournament of his glittering career.
The three-time major winner is partnering Dan Evans, with the British pair set to face Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the last eight.
In an interview with CNN, it was put to Murray whether Djokovic’s “mental frailty” is “wanting to be liked.”
“Yeah look, I think obviously at times it’s been difficult for him because Nadal and Federer — before Novak became the best player in the world and in terms of titles and everything, the best male player, he’s won the most Grand Slams and had an unbelievable career — that Rafa and Roger were so loved and had a brilliant rivalry,” said the former world No 1.
“I think Novak has huge support around the world, but yeah I think at times it has been difficult for him to not maybe feel the same support from the crowd that Rafa and Roger got, but you know he still does have massive support around the world.
“I think he’s extremely well-respected, not just in tennis but in world sport because of all of his achievements. And I think at times he’s thrived on that as well, when the crowd hasn’t been behind him he’s played some of his best tennis and his best matches when that hasn’t been the case.
“So in a strange way it’s maybe helped him achieve more, but yeah it’s been hard for him at times.”
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