Novak Djokovic’s brilliance on the court is unquestionable, but the 17-time Grand Slam champ has divided opinion throughout his career with a more abrasive show of emotions on court.
Which is why the tennis world has questioned why the World No.1 appeared cagey against his greatest rival in his capitulation at the hands of Rafael Nadal.
Nadal’s ruthless aggression and precise pressure appeared too much for Djokovic to handle, which resulted in an unwanted career-first in the first set when he was obliterated 6-0.
Djokovic was no doubt outplayed for the remainder of the match, but showed a glimmer of hope in the third set when he finally broke Nadal.
The World No.1 tried to rally himself and the crowd as he let out his first burst of emotion.
But it appeared in vain as Nadal broke back and went on to claim his 13th French Open title, and equal Roger Federer’s record 20 titles, in a 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 demolition.
This led to leading tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg to question why Djokovic appeared so cagey during the match.
One reason, Rothenberg put forward, was the extra effort Djokovic was placing on himself to keep his emotions in check after the controversial US Open default.
“I think he seemed very flat to me, even in the semi-final he seemed very flat emotionally,” Rothenberg said on Tennis Majors.
