Novak Djokovic reached the Australian Open fourth spherical for the sixteenth time after beating Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The tennis world anticipated Novak’s conflict with Ben Shelton within the final 16, however the American fell to Adrian Mannarino in 5 units.

The subject of dialog surrounding Djokovic and Shelton has centered on their telephone hang-up drama, and Djokovic revisited this theme after his victory over Etcheverry. Based on Novak, the core of the matter lies in elementary respect for one’s opponent throughout the online.

Djokovic candidly acknowledged that even Roger Federer disapproved of his conduct throughout their preliminary encounters in 2006 and 2007. Novak was very assured, realizing he needed to recreation to problem the rivals from the highest and reflecing that mindset in his on-court demeanor.

Nonetheless, he was all the time ready to acknowledge his errors and provide apologies. All through his profession, Djokovic maintained a constant stage of respect for his opponents on the web, a precept instilled in him throughout his early tennis classes.

Whereas Federer initially criticized Djokovic’s frequent medical timeouts in 2006, labeling them a “joke” throughout the Davis Cup, the 2 legends maintained a courtly respect for one another over almost 15 years, regardless of not being shut associates.

Novak Djokovic admitted Roger Federer didn’t like his conduct at the start.

Initially appreciating Ben Shelton’s telephone hang-up celebration, Djokovic’s opinion shifted when the younger participant started displaying disrespect towards his opponents, together with Djokovic himself in final yr’s US Open semi-final.

Djokovic defeated Shelton in straight units, utilizing the teenager’s celebration as a platform to critique his conduct. Novak acknowledges Ben’s youthful exuberance and profitable angle, deeming it a constructive trait. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that such attitudes should all the time be tempered with a major dose of respect for the adversary on the alternative aspect of the online.

Djokovic and Shelton may have proven the mutual respect within the Australian Open fourth spherical, however the younger American did not get there. Shelton led two units to 1 versus Adrian Mannarino earlier than shedding floor in units 4 and 5, failing to repeat final yr’s run in Melbourne.

“At the start, Roger Federer didn’t like how I behaved; I didn’t sit him properly. I used to be not the favourite kind of man to the rivals from the highest as a result of I used to be not affraid to say that I wish to change into world no.

1. I used to be assured, realizing I had the sport to again the declare. Profitable or shedding, I am all the time making an attempt to respect my opponent. Ben Shelton’s stage of confidence is nice; it’s a must to consider. Nonetheless, there’s a line of acceptable behaviour towards your opponent. When somebody crosses it, it turns into annoying,” Novak Djokovic mentioned.