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I See Muhammad Ali Qualities In Novak Djokovic, Part II
4 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
The charismatic and colorful 2011 Australian Open champ is proving himself to be a fascinating and inspiring champion, like the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali who awed the world with his courage in the ring and out, unafraid to take political stands for what he believed in. Djokovic also, in his own way, has embraced the idea to help important causes, like the Help Japan relief situation, 9/11 Families, etc.
Along with his serious, civic-minded side, the ATP #2 Djokovic also enjoys to have fun on the court and around the tennis realm, and has shown he is natural entertainer, like Ali, who brought more laughs and smiles to boxing than any other figure in history.
Djokovic is quite similar. Although he has put a halt on doing those hilarious imitations of other players, like Ali eventually stopped writing poems about how he would defeat his opponents, Nole is now finding new outlets for the playful, fun-loving character of his personality. Last night in his win against Kevin Anderson at the Sony Ericsson Open, Djokovic introduced a new dance step on the court after a winning point. Maybe we can call it the “Djokovic Shuffle.”
Some traditionalists might be put off by the outward display of cockiness by Djokovic on the court, and condemn it as an act of disrespect towards opponents, but I believe it’s just good fun. And a good balance to the serious side of tennis and the world. Tennis is a fun game to play and Djokovic personifies it now. He has pretty much sacrificed his life to a career in tennis and now that he is performing like the best player on the planet, it’s clear he is really enjoying it.
The tennis world has adored the wonderful reigns of the awesomely admirable humility and class of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. But like everything, changes become due. Evolution occurs. The time has or will come for the special new champion, with his own new fresh original traits and qualities, to grace our sport.
I am really looking forward to the surprises and excitement that the emergence of Novak Djokovic as the next king of tennis, will bring to the sport. Aren’t you?
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Vinnie · March 31, 2011 at 10:20 pm
I am! Good article, Djokovic is really my favorite player and he had the best personality on tour. He’s a great asset to the tennis world.
Scoop Malinowski · March 31, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Thanks for the comment Vinnie! Agree, Djokovic is the best personality and most colorful character on the Tour. Welcome to the site,
Mike · April 1, 2011 at 6:00 am
After he trounced VT on the GS court (again), he took the mic from the interviewer and then asked the crowd if they wanted to hear a song and then he sang a few bars.
Scoop Malinowski · April 1, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Wow Mike I didn’t know that, thanks for the comment which supports the comparison.