"It's bizarre that Djokovic is not given more credit" - John Lloyd on the lack of appreciation for Djokovic

Former British No 1 and BBC commentator John Lloyd believes Novak Djokovic has not been given the respect he deserves by fans and the press, but feels people will “go crazy for him” once he retires.

While Djokovic is adored and considered the greatest player of all time by his army of fans, the Serbian has often been on the receiving end of boos from spectators during matches, especially when he is up against the other two members of the Big Three Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Lloyd feels defending Wimbledon champion Djokovic deserves more credit as he suggested the respect might come once he is close to retirement. He explained:

“It really is [a bizarre story that Djokovic does not get any credit]. We talk about this era and it is almost for Novak as if he is fortunate to be in this era because he has been great in so many ways, but he is unfortunate that he is in this era with Rafa and Roger and you put Andy [Murray] obviously below that. They are great players, but they have a popularity with the fans and with the press that he doesn’t and I think he has been treated pretty badly, certainly by spectators and certainly by the press."

Lloyd further added:

“He is one of these players – as there are some stars and I will throw in Jimmy Connors right away – they are treated a lot better after they come back. When they come back either as a broadcaster or they come back at 36 or 37 and they walk into the stadiums and people go crazy about them. It is almost like ‘I wasn’t a big fan of you some much then, but now I appreciate the fact that you were amazing back then’ and then all the love comes out."