"Djokovic the best at helping players" - says Petar Popovic
ATP
Novak Djokovic has been described as one of the greatest men to ever step foot on a tennis court throughout his career.
The Serb, who will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Astana Open final on Sunday if often not far from any debate that includes the names Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
But now it appears Nole, as he is affectionately known but his devoted fanbase, can also lay claim to being the greatest at helping his fellow pros when on tour.
Former Serbian player and coach Petar Popovic has tagged Djokovic as the ‘best’ helping those players who are struggling further down the ATP world rankings.
Popovic was speaking to The Craig Shapiro Tennis podcast when he was asked about the 21-time Grand Slam champion.
He said: “I know them very well because we are a small country and we have travelled together and I have known him since he was very young.
“The first thing that I'll say about Novak is that for me, he is the best tennis player regarding helping others. He's amazing. He was fighting for players who are ranked 100-150, which he didn't need to do.”
In September 2020, Djokovic set-up the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) with the aim of giving the ATP players more power over the ATP Player Council.
The decision to form the PTPA blindsided many players with Federer and Nadal voicing their opposition.
But Popovic explained to Shapiro its not just tennis professionals Djokovic helps, but he also looks to encourage the next generation of Serbian players.
"He also has a national centre here and he's giving free practice to the best of Serbians and Croatians. He's really a giving person and I'm not saying it because he's Serbian, I'm stating facts," he added.
