Novak Djokovic has received stronger support for the crowd after ‘distancing’ himself from the public perception, former tennis star Justine Henin believes. The Serb appears to have gained a bigger fanbase at tournaments in recent months, having become the most decorated Grand Slam player of all-time.
Djokovic has enjoyed noticeably more support during his matches. The 36-year-old had previously developed a reputation for being a pantomime villain, with boos often aimed in his direction.
He would sometimes hit out at a negative reaction from the crowd. However, Henin believes that Djokovic has now distanced himself from the crowd’s opinion and is reaping the benefits.
Djokovic is now enjoying more support on the tour. He has repaid the crowd with recent victories at the Paris Masters and the US Open.
“We know that it is not always pleasant to have the public who, all of a sudden, become hostile and support the opponent,” Henin told Eurosport.
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“And very intelligently, he cuts short what is happening and at the same time he remobilises himself. He has a lot of experience at this level.
“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 [the public], he is there to play and win, and, I think, that by finally doing so, it still appeals to a lot of people.”
Djokovic did receive some boos in Paris but responded well. In his last-16 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, he jokingly asked the crowd to boo louder, having previously said he plays better when the crowd is against him.
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After making the request to the crowd, Djokovic went on to win eight consecutive points and complete a 4-6 7-6 6-4 victory. He had struggled through most of the match and required the boos of the crowd to see the match through to the end.
“When I asked the audience to boo at me a little more, I won eight points in a row,” Djokovic hilariously boasted afterwards.
“But I didn’t do anything to provoke the audience, that’s how it is. Is the Parisian crowd special? That’s a good word, they are special – very special.”
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