'Roger Federer, Nadal, Djokovic are unique', says top journalist

The Australian Open coexistence of Novak Djokovic with the abdominal problem (whose precise diagnosis has not been made known) is about to merge into a documentary. The number one ATP, who arrived to play the final against Daniil Medvedev, could tell the truth about his physical condition in this Australian expedition so coldly. Which have aroused controversy, on the part of those who accused him of having exaggerated in expressing pain. "The media treat me worse than other players, my mistakes are less easily forgiven", he commented resentfully after his success in the round of 16 over Milos Raonic. In the previous step, during the third round match against Taylor Fritz, the pain in the right flank had arrived on the intensity of which some doubts were raised. Actually Djokovic, managing the problem with his Argentine physiotherapist Ulises Badio, managed to put it behind him by winning the ninth final at Melbourne Park (the first eight of him he won all, including the last two consecutive). In the quarter-finals he overtook Alexander Zverev, before the easy semi-success against surprising Karatsev. Ben Rothenberg is a name that needs no introduction in the tennis world. Over the past few years, the New York Times journalist has established himself as one of the foremost voices on all things tennis. As is the norm with journalists, Rothenberg has also divided opinion time and again. Some believe he has his favorites, while others believe he is too harsh on players like Novak Djokovic. Now in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Ben Rothenberg has spoken at length about some of his most-favored topics. He also talked about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Rothenberg on the Big 3

Jim Courier recently said Novak Djokovic is unlucky to be there at the same time as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Do you agree with that? "That's completely true. People have been saying that for a long time. I mean, it's rough for Novak Djokovic. He was already in their shadow when he won his first Grand Slam Down Under in 2008. He's been around for a long time. But those two other guys have also still been around the whole time. That's very unusual for this era of sport, for the top players to remain unchanged for so long. And maybe he just doesn't have...Every tennis player is unique and has a unique sort of appeal or aesthetic, or attraction, for their fandom. Maybe his, just for whatever reason, doesn't resonate as much" - Ben Rothenberg stated.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2NQieXb