World No.1 Novak Djokovic admits tennis players could try to be more enthusiastic and entertaining after a fellow tour player accused the sport’s top four players of being boring.
However the Serbian says the physical and mental demands of the tour, and the importance of showing respect, make it difficult.
Djokovic was responding to an accusation from Latvian player Ernests Gulbis that he, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were boring in their interviews.
“Modern tennis is sorely lacking in character,” Gulbis told French sports daily L’Equipe.
Outspoken world No.40 Gulbis said Federer was the main offender.
“It was Federer who started this trend. He has a superb image as a perfect Swiss gentleman. I repeat that, I respect Federer, but I don’t like the way that young players try to imitate him.”
After Federer admitted he was rarely a source of sensational stories, blaming it on the high number of media commitments players were obliged to honour, Djokovic said Gulbis may have a small point.
“I agree with one small fact is that maybe we are lacking more enthusiasm and maybe more entertainment in the players, so more creativity in the players,” Djokovic said after defeating Argentine Guido Pella 6-2 6-0 6-2 at the French Open on Thursday.
“But on the other hand … it’s tough because it’s such a demanding sport now physically, mentally, emotionally.
“Every day you’re basically on the court throughout the whole year.”
Djokovic, who is renowned for his impersonations of other players, said it came down to individuality but viewed the level of respect within the sport as a positive thing.
World No.2 Murray, not playing at the French Open due to injury, also admitted his media appearances were rarely thrilling, but said it was a deliberate tactic to avoid creating unwanted headlines.
“As an athlete, all I do is try my best to be as good as I can be as a tennis player,” he said in an interview published in British magazine GQ on Thursday, .
“Whether people like you or not should be irrelevant. But, to be honest, over the years I have found it difficult to open up and be a bundle of laughs in press conferences or interviews.
“I always try to give honest answers, but they are fairly boring so I don’t have to deal with the aftermath of any scandals.”
Federer told the Swiss press: “I understand it – our interviews are not always the most exciting. But that’s not just our fault, that’s the machine. After each match, we have to give press conferences.
“But also, you cannot say anything you do not like about something to someone without being totally criticised by many people.”
