"He likes it against them to play and compete": Bartoli believes Djokovic thrives off adversity going into US Open

Former French tennis player Marion Bartoli believes that the current world number two Novak Djokovic is ‘stronger’ when playing under different circumstances.

The 36-year-old, who is arguably one of the greatest players in the history of men’s singles tennis in the Open era, is coming fresh after securing a memorable win in the final of the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) against the current world number one Carlos Alcaraz with a score of 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.

Bartoli, who won Wimbledon in 2013 after beating Germany’s Sabine Lisicki in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4, was quoted in a recent report where she stated that Djokovic performs better when under pressure.

"I just have the feeling that Novak always improves and is even stronger when he competes against adversity,” she said. “He likes it against them to play and compete. I think he's gained everyone's respect, but when it comes to love it's a little different. It's just human nature to cheer for one or the other and you don't want the third."

Talking about why the Serbian tennis star is not as famous amongst the fans as he should be, Bartoli has an interesting point of view.

"It was more the timing than anything,” she said. “If you talk to all the players and fans around the world, people like Novak's personality and have a lot of respect for his game. Roger speaks elegance, Rafa, on the other hand, was considered a fighter who won 14 times at Roland Garros. But nobody likes the third party.”

The Le Puy-born also expressed optimism that the 23-time Grand Slam winner will end with the player who has achieved everything on the court.

"I think when he ends his career, he will most likely be the one with the most Grand Slam wins and also the one who has achieved everything else," she said.