Novak Djokovic has always enjoyed a great relationship with Maria Sharapova. Since the very early days of his career, the Serbian sensation “targeted” the Russian beauty with his hilarious impersonating. Maria was nice not only to “accept” Nole’s jokes, but she was genuinely amused. Therefore, Novak and Maria were also involved in all sorts of gags and spots for their sponsors.
Djokovic was particularly kind when asked about commenting about Maria’s retirement to say: “She has the mind of a champion, someone that never gives up. She’s shown that especially in the last five years. She had a lot of obstacles and difficulties, especially with her injuries and everything that she had to endure in order to give herself at least another chance to play competitive tennis.
For someone that has won five Grand Slams and has been No. 1 of the world, a legend of the sport, it’s not easy to kind of restart all over again. She has done that so many times in the last five years.
Respect, great respect to her I wish her huge relief. I’m sure she’s feeling huge relief right now. I would guess that’s kind of a feeling that comes in first. She should definitely be proud of everything she has achieved.”
Novak Djokovic on @MariaSharapova:
"Her impact on the sport, not just women's tennis, but men's tennis, tennis in general, was great. It still is great. It's going to keep on being present because her brand I think exceeds her tennis achievements."#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/TlKpBo536D
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 26, 2020
Djokovic in Dubai, ranking, and results in 2020
Now the world no.1, Djokovic has a 14-0 win-loss record in 2020. Novak is competing in Dubai where he ousted Malek Jaziri 6-1 6-2.
Novak Djokovic will square off with Kohlschreiber in the 2nd round. The head to head is 11-2 for Djokovic.
Novak conquered 2 titles in 2020 in ATP Cup and at the Australian Open.
Novak won 79 titles in his career: 46 on hard courts, 14 on clay courts, 13 on indoor courts and 6 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Maria Sharapova’s ranking and performance in 2020
Ranked world no.373, Maria played her last match on the 21st of January when she was defeated by Donna Vekic 6-3 6-4 in the 1st round of the Australian Open.
