Tsitsipas's mother speaks openly about Djokovic's "infinite" pause at Roland Garros

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A few days ago, Stefanos Tsitsipas was talking about how disappointed he felt for not being able to qualify for the ATP Finals this 2024. In reality, he was very close to being one of the 8 qualifiers for this prestigious tournament. However, the Greek has had better years, like 2021, when he reached the final of Roland Garros. That moment was unique, and he was on the verge of winning his first Grand Slam if it hadn't been for the incredible comeback by Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian managed to come back from 2 sets down to add another major to his long list of achievements. In a recent interview on the Youtube channel of Mr. Tennis, Tsitsipas's mother talked about that unforgettable moment. Yulia Salnikova, the matriarch of the Tsitsipas family, referred to the 'long' break Djokovic took when he went to the bathroom after being one set away from losing that match, a break that Yulia did not approve of.

"When Novak went for a bathroom break, which lasted an infinitely long time from my point of view because we were sitting and waiting. But everything was in accordance with the rules there, in fact. And when he returned, I already knew that Novak would win. He came back as a different person. How did this happen? That is a question for Novak. It was a miracle. What do I think of these theories that Djokovic often takes false medical breaks? If this is allowed by the rules...".

A Childhood Very Different from Federer or Nadal

Despite that, Yulia's opinion of Nole's greatness remains intact. The family matriarch can recognize Djokovic as a man "who made himself," as he had to make his way among Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer when they dominated the tennis scene. It was not easy to be the third wheel when it seemed there was no room for anyone else. Time showed that some were wrong not to acknowledge the place he earned through hard work and results. "He entered tennis when Federer and Nadal were at their peak. They were already the tennis 'parents.' Djokovic didn't have a name, but he has proven over time that everything is possible. Those who condemn him will need time to reassess him," Yulia said.

Furthermore, the Serbian did not have an easy life, as his childhood was heavily influenced by war. That's why Tsitsipas's mother also wanted to give even more value to everything Nole has achieved when he had nothing going for him. A very complicated life that differs greatly from that of his two main rivals: "Novak had a very difficult childhood, and this can be explained. As a child, he had to hide in an air-raid shelter. Federer grew up in a happy country like Switzerland. This is also worth considering. He didn't have those moments where you have to risk something to gain something else".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La madre de Tsitsipas habla abiertamente sobre la "infinita" pausa de Djokovic en Roland Garros