Top
Novak Djokovic Wimbledon 2021

‘Novak Djokovic is not a villain – quite the contrary,’ says ATP ace


Novak Djokovic has been backed by Francisco Cerundolo, who has dismissed any idea that he is a villain of tennis.

Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time alongside rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

However, while his career and statistics compare with anyone, Djokovic has often been painted as the villain by the media.

That cause has not been helped by what is perceived as an anti-vaccination stance. It was that which saw him deported from Australia earlier this year and the stigma has followed him since.

Cerundolo, though, says the players see a side of Djokovic the media and public don’t.

“I don’t see Novak Djokovic as a villain, “Cerundolo told the 3iguales podcast. “Quite the contrary.

“What happens is that people are very much in love with [Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal. Novak says what he feels, it’s authentic.

“Surely, Novak will pass both in Grand Slams won. Djokovic is the one who moves the most to help the players who earn the least. To those who play Futures or challengers.”

Djokovic’s quest to pass Rafael Nadal in Grand Slams will be hampered later this month as he is not allowed to play the US Open.

Unvaccinated foreigners are not permitted entry to the United States.

? Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

? Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

? Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

? Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner


Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.