Justine Henin is someone who is not impressed by Novak Djokovic’s behaviour, saying that sometimes it is not ideal.
Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players to have ever picked up a racquet. He is a 20-time Grand Slam winner, and at a time when his fellow elite players are slowing down, the Serbian machine unlocked another layer of performance.
2021 was a sensational year for the world number 1, having won three out of four possible Grand Slams. He topped the ATP rankings for the seventh time in his professional career, eclipsing the legendary Pete Sampras’ record.
At the peak of powers, the 34-year-old is the man to beat in tennis today. He did suffer some losses this year, most notably to Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. There are fresh challengers to his throne, and he is more than ready to take them on.
Henin, however, remains someone who is not impressed by Djokovic’s behaviour, saying that the way he carries himself is off sometimes.
In an exclusive interview with Eurosport as quoted by Tennis World USA, the seven-time Grand Slam winner said, “And Novak Djokovic? What about his desire? We always have the feeling that Novak Djokovic’s appetite keeps growing.
“Will it continue like this? It is very difficult to say. He will still want to win. He certainly needs to recharge his batteries now.
“I don’t think enough credit is given to him for everything he’s done, everything he’s accomplished.
“I don’t always agree with his behaviour because, in the end, by trying and wanting to do so well, by wanting to be liked, finally, he goes a little against his nature.”
Champion versus challengers
“It’s going to be very interesting to see how everybody handles it,” she continued.
“Daniil Medvedev is taking off. Zverev – it will be the year for him… I think he’s ready to go for a Grand Slam in 2022.
“Obviously we’ll still have to see how he does over the five-set question, but you get the feeling that at some point, it’s going to work out for him.”