Novak Djokovic did what many expected him to do and lift his 23rd Grand Slam title by beating Casper Ruud in the final. The Serbian was clinical throughout the event and that has once again sparked talks of a possible calendar slam. But as has always been the case, Nole has many detractors especially when a comparison between him and Roger Feder or Rafael Nadal comes into play.
Just before the Roland Garros main draw kicked off towards the tail-end of May, former French Open champion Yannick Noah had made comments about Djokovic that were far from flattering. As fate would have it though, the Serb went on to win the Grand Slam and it was Noah who had to hand the trophy over to the Serb.
Lack of charisma does not stop Novak Djokovic
In the interview that was published just a day before the main event started, Noah had profusely praised Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal while suggesting Novak Djokovic lacked the charisma the other two had. He’d also mentioned that he did not connect with the Serbian.
“Djokovic? I’m not sorry, but I don’t know why. The other two have more charisma. I’m not attracted to him. When he wins a match point I don’t connect with him. I live in the Montmartre neighborhood, I’m walking and someone says to me: ‘Hey, Yannick, Do you want to have a coffee with me?’. And I wonder why people want to connect. With Nole I don’t know if it will happen.”
While everyone is entitled to their personal opinion, the comments made by Noah seemed a little unnecessary, especially the bit about people not being able to connect with Nole.
Ironically, it was Noah who had to stand their on the stage, hand the trophy to Djokovic and applaud him for his latest triumph. Furthermore, Djokovic had some really kind words for the former French Open champion, praising him for the energy he brought to tennis during his time as a player and also for the music Noah has produced since retiring as a player.
“It’s a great honour to have Yannick Noah today, on the 40th anniversary of his Roland Garros title. What you bring to the people, the kind of positivity and energy – it is something very special.”
Djokovic was gallant as always in his praise. While there’s a good chance he hadn’t read Noah’s comments, he would still have been just as kind with his words even if he had.
Well he had to handle the cup to him. That’s was funny. 😂😂😂.
— Blanca (@blancapy) June 11, 2023
In the end though it seems like Noah did connect with Novak. The had a very nice interaction during the trophy presentation, with Noah hugging Djokovic warmly. Noah later even praised Djokovic for his achievement.
