Did Novak Djokovic know that he was the most underrated in the opinion of bookmakers ever? It seems that gave him an extra wind in his sails.
After five consecutive defeats, the Serb managed to defeat Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals with 3:6, 6:3, 4:6, 6:4, 6:4 and thus secure his first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2024.
However, everyone now remembers that match because of the unusual prelude. Namely, the bookmakers placed unreal odds on Djokovic – as high as 10. He had never been more underrated, and often better chances are given to players in the second or third round against him than to him then against Sinner.
Petar Đukić, a former Serbian tennis player and current coach, revealed an anecdote that was unknown until now.
“Nole actually knew that… First, he didn’t know the odds were 10 and then this godfather of mine, his friend who was with him, said: Do you know what the odds are on you? And Novak replied like ‘I have no idea’ and he answers ‘Well, 10’. And he replies ‘Impossible’,” said Đukić in the podcast “Reketiranje”.
Then he also revealed what the Serbian ace’s reaction was like.
“Novak was surprised, in shock,” said Đukić.
And Nemanja Kontić, former coach of Ana Ivanović, added briefly.
“I think spite kicked in.”
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Source: Nova.rs; Photo: