The Australian public might have largely turned their backs on Novak Djokovic in recent times, but he's found a supporter in former Olympic medallist and top 10 player Alicia Molik.
The tennis great turned commentator said on Thursday morning that she was backing the world No.1 to go all the way, and that the public often didn't appreciate his greatness enough.
Watch the Australian Open with live streams of every court at 9Now. Click here to start watching!
"I want Novak Djokovic to win the tournament because I think he's at times hard done by - by the fans, by the crowd, so that might work in his favour too," Molik said on Wide World of Sports' The Morning Serve.
"There's been many occasions where he's stepped out on Rod Laver Arena and the fans have been in the favour of the other player, no matter who it's been."
Djokovic is two matches away from a ninth Australian Open crown and will take on Russia's Aslan Karatsev on Thursday night. All the pressure will be on the world No.1, as he looks to end the fairytale run of his opponent, who had never even played at a Grand Slam before this tournament.
"I don't think he feels the pressure because he's won that much that if he loses one, no big deal, right? But at the same time, he almost doesn't know how to lose at Melbourne Park," Molik said.
"The stars have aligned here for Novak. He's a deserved winner."
The winner will play either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
Molik also offered words of support for her countrywoman Ash Barty, who was unexpectedly knocked out of the tournament on Wednesday.
When asked if Barty needed to change parts of her game to go all the way in Melbourne, Molik rejected that idea – and cited the world No.1's 'measured approach' to the start of the year.
"No, I don't think so – but at the same time, I feel like Ash was ready to win this and in the right form to win this … everything was pointing her in the right direction.
"If form wasn't quite there you'd have doubts, but I really felt like mentally, physically, preparation-wise as well it was pretty perfect for her."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/alicia-molik-backing-underappreciated-djokovic-to-go-all-the-way/d11fe971-595d-406d-8806-8f85949a7526
0 Comments