"Only in France is his image tarnished" says Bartoli on Novak Djokovic

Marion Bartoli is a big fan of Novak Djokovic and the former Wimbledon champion is disappointed to see the image of Novak Djokovic not being respected enough. She is particularly disappointed the way he is portrayed in France explaining to 'We Love Tennis':

"It is only in France that the image of Novak Djokovic is so tarnished. Elsewhere in the world, we have understood that we should not confuse the champion that he is and the man who hides behind this armor that he wears during his matches."

Despite all of that she also understands why Djokovic is less popular than Federer or Nadal while also highlighting that he deserves the same spotlight:

"However, I can understand that when he arrived against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, it could have embarrassed people. But it is clear that he is there, there, that his track record is crazy, that he is breaking records and that he has yet had an incredible year."

From her personal experience, Bartoli understands that Djokovic is not as he is made out to be. She explained:

"I know Novak very well. Contrary to popular belief, Novak is a selfless and generous person, but also extremely intelligent. Novak's approach is not to create a counter-power or to exert pressure. He just wants to defend the interests of the little ones (lower-ranked players), allow them to earn more money, to have more means."