Andy Roddick, believes tennis legend Novak Djokovic does not get enough credits for “how friendly he is with people in and around the locker room.”
The former world No 1 also praised Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Djokovic’s great rivals for their off-court behavior. The 2003 US Open champion revealed there are “a lot of tour guys who aren’t nearly as good” in this regard.
Dominik Hrbaty, former ATP world No 12 is one player who has debunked any suggestions that Djokovic is unpopular among his fellow players in the locker room.
You Can Also Read: Novak Djokovic thrilled to return to Indian Wells after five year hiatus
“Very friendly and fun. I have the best experience with Novak. In his presence, one feels only good. By the way, out of the Big Three, he is by far the most popular among other players,” Hrbaty told Pravda in 2022.
“Because he always did the most for others. When someone needs to stand up, he is always in the front line. The others see it. When the players had to choose someone to represent them, he won the most votes.”
Sania Mirza, former WTA doubles world No 1 said the same in an interview with The Week last year. The Indian said, “I do not know if he (Djokovic) is misunderstood on the circuit; he is quite liked actually on the tour. Everybody has a lot of respect for him, as they should.”
Also Read: Novak Djokovic Pulls Out Of miami Open in a surprise move after shocking Indian Wells Exit
Andy Roddick Praises Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic for Locker Room Etiquette
During his “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, Roddick expressed irritation with the behavior of many players behind the scenes but clarified that Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic are not among those who fall into this category.
“There are a lot of tour guys who aren’t nearly as good as Rafa, who, I said this about Roger too back in the day, but they will switch their grip tapes out, re-grip, then leave something on the floor and just walk away,” the American said.
“It drives me absolutely crazy, they’ll get a stretch from the trainer, get up and not say ‘thank you’ and walk out. It just drives me crazy.”
“It’s been nice in tennis that two of your top three stewards, including Novak, Novak actually, he doesn’t get enough credit for how friendly he is with people in and around the locker room.”
“I know how Rafa was in the locker room, it feels like he never had a bad day and even if he was having a bad day, it never got in the way of him being cordial, respectful.”
“It’s nice to see that those guys reset the table on, ‘Hey listen, I’m one of the best players of all time, I’m one of the favourites every time I walk into a locker room but there’s also common courtesy involved with the way I go day to day.”
Also Read: Novak Djokovic clinches 400th win at ATP Masters 1000, lags behind Rafael Nadal