WTA icon Justine Henin has declared that Novak Djokovic is “no longer there to please” the people and believes this approach “still appeals to a lot of people.”
The Belgian lauded Djokovic’s situational awareness when faced with adversary and described his mobility to recompose himself against the hostile crowds as “very intelligent.”
The World No.1 recorded another convincing 6-4, 6-3 win against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the final of 2023 Paris Masters on Sunday to bag a record-extending 7th title at the event.
Djokovic beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev en route to the Bercy final. All three of Djokovic’s semi, quarter and R16 victories came in three-setters as he clinched a men’s record-extending 40th ATP Masters 1000 crown on the tour to get four ahead of his eternal rival Nadal sitting at 36.
The Serbian has claimed six titles during a stellar 2023 campaign which is decorated by 3 major titles at Australian Open, French Open and US Open.
Henin, a 7-times Grand Slam champion is now a reputed tennis analyst and while talking at Eurosport, the tennis legend discussed Djokovic’s complex relationship with crowds during matches which was also repeated in the final Masters 1000 of the season at Paris.
“We know that it is not always pleasant to have the public who, all of a sudden, become hostile and support the opponent. And very intelligently, he cuts short what is happening and at the same time he remobilizes himself. He has a lot of experience at this level,” said the Belgian, who retired in 2011.
“But I still think that in relation to this question of the public, he is distancing himself more and more, he is no longer there to please, he is there to play and win and I think that by finally doing so, it still appeals to a lot of people.”
Djokovic’s next and last top the tour will be at the ATP Finals in Turin next week where he will chase a record 7th title at the season-ending Championships. The 24-time Grand Slam Champion is currently tied with former rival Federer at 6 titles.
The 36-year-old defeated Casper Ruud in the final last year to seal the coveted tourney for the first time since 2015. Djokovic will also represent for Serbia at the Davis Cup Finals stage in Malaga later in November as the legendary Serbian has a solid chance of bringing home the second title. Serbia will meet Great Britain in the quarters with the final stage scheduled to get underway from Nov 21.