The Nitto ATP Finals is nearing its business end, and it has been an exciting week of tennis. Serbian star Novak Djokovic has once again made it to the semifinals. He is on a quest to win a record seventh year-end title of his career, which is only two wins away. While Novak has been delivering the goods, Adriano Panatta, the former French Open champion, has ripped into him for his on-court behavior.
Djokovic mounted his defense of the title against Holger Rune in the opening round successfully. However, local boy Jannik Sinner threw a spanner in the works. He snapped Novak’s 19-match winning streak, much to the delight of the crowd.
Panatta has now slammed Novak for his attitude during the match against Sinner. He compared the Serb’s behavior to that of his former rivals. Adriano stated that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal would never behave the way he did.
Adriano Panatta says Federer & Nadal would never behave the way Novak Djokovic did against Jannik Sinner:
“Have you ever seen Federer or Nadal behave the way Djokovic did tonight? He would have bet anything that he would try for the match to break the rhythm, he always does.… pic.twitter.com/9dsiv2AOZt
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 15, 2023
The former French Open champion lambasted Djokovic for allegedly trying to break Sinner’s rhythm. Novak did take a bathroom break and then called the physio as well. The crowd booed Novak raucously throughout.
Panatta also praised Sinner‘s levelheadedness during Novak’s breaks. “First the bathroom, then the physio, he tries everything. I don’t like that attitude at all. Thank goodness Sinner doesn’t care, he stays there calmly,” he said (via Tennis365).
Adriano Panatta shares a contentious relationship with Novak Djokovic. It is not the first time that Panatta has attacked Novak so openly.
Adriano Panatta has been open about disliking Novak Djokovic
The former Italian player’s disdain for Djokovic has been very apparent, due to his statements over the years. Panatta has openly spoken of his admiration for Federer and thinks he is the greatest player of all time.
In 2022, Djokovic found himself in the middle of a controversy before the commencement of the Australian Open. Novak had refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine, causing the Australian government to deport him.
Following this controversy, Panatta stated that he did not like the statements Novak had made in the last few years. “Djokovic? Nothing personal but I dislike him. I’m a bit unpleasant with all the statements he has made in the last two years. He hasn’t got one right,” he said.
Novak Djokovic is used to such a perception of him and will pay no heed. He took on Hubert Hurkacz in the last match of the round-robin and defeated him. With Sinner’s win over Rune, his berth in the semifinal is now confirmed.