Andy Roddick thinks Novak Djokovic should be given more credit for a particular skill he possesses in comparison to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The trio, referred to as tennis’ ‘Big 3’, have been constantly compared and contrasted by fans and pundits for the majority of their illustrious careers.
They raised the standard of their sport with their prolonged periods of success and contested fantastic matches contested against one another.
Novak Djokovic now owns most of the game’s top records and a positive head-to-head record against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
But despite his success, he has not received the same love and adoration from fans compared to his biggest rivals.
What does Andy Roddick think Novak Djokovic should be given more credit for?
Since the start of the decade Djokovic made his claim to be the greatest tennis player of all time by becoming the male player with the most Grand Slams in history and weeks at number one. Djokovic has now won the Olympic title after beating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final in Paris.
But despite his achievements and incredible game, Andy Roddick thinks the Serbian is not given enough credit for his mental resilience in comparison to Federer and Nadal.
“I feel like certain times we have this picture of what mental toughness is right? So it’s like Borg didn’t say anything, so he’s mentally tough. Rafa is allergic to showing negative energy. Roger’s calm, cool and collected,” the American said during this ‘Served’ podcast.
“I feel like we didn’t give Novak enough credit for how mentally tough he is for a long time because he emotes. He just goes about it in a different way. He just does better when there’s friction. We just need different energy.”
When is Novak Djokovic back in action?
Djokovic entered the US Open going in search of his 24th Grand Slam title.
But Djokovic suffered a shock four-set defeat to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the third round and in the process failed to defend his title in New York.
After the disappointing result, the World number four will be back on the court representing Serbia in the Davis Cup.
They will take on Greece in a play-off round as they look to get back into contention for Davis Cup glory for the first time since 2010.
The final Group Stage matches of the team tournament will take place this week in Bologna, Manchester, Valencia and Zhuhai.
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