Every day, the morning of Europe 1 looks back on one of the sporting events that make the news.
This Monday, Virginie Phulpin looks back on Novak Djokovic's victory in the Roland-Garros final.
According to her, the public's love is the only victory she misses.
Novak Djokovic winner of Roland-Garros. The world number 1 dominated Stefanos Tsitsipas in five sets in the final. The Serbian has 19 grand slam victories, compared to 20 for Nadal and Federer. And yet he is still not liked by the public. For Virginie Phulpin, Novak Djokovic deserves a little more respect
What does he have to do to deserve some love?
This is what Virginie Phulpin was wondering this Sunday when she saw Novak Djokovic sweep his gaze, incredulous, the hostile public at Roland Garros.
Spectators thoroughly for his opponent.
As usual, like everywhere in the world except in Serbia.
However, his Parisian fortnight could have, should have allowed him to conquer hearts.
Twice, he came back from hell, led two sets to 0 against Musetti in the round of 16 and against Stefanos Tsitsipas this Sunday.
And in addition he defeated King Nadal on his land Friday night in a semi-final which will remain a legendary match.
But obviously that is not enough.
Novak Djokovic may be the player who wins the most grand slams in the end, the way seems clear.
But the outbursts of the heart do not care statistics, and for the majority of the public, the Serbian will always be far behind Federer and Nadal.
For the first time this Sunday, Virginie Phulpin felt a form of injustice.
We are ready to accuse him of all evils.
Novak Djokovic loses two sets to 0, he will take his now traditional toilet break, he returns to the court transformed.
And let's go for thinly disguised doping charges.
Let's be serious, that's not how doping works, we're not going to get a little bite between two sets in the locker room.
These accusations are based on nothing, except on an unmistakable distrust of Novak Djokovic.
It is not because he is strong that we are obliged to love him.
Certainly. We must distinguish the player from the man. Novak Djokovic is a huge player. And he is an integral part with Nadal and Federer of this dream trio that has enchanted the tennis circuit for so many years. Each of his three pushed the other two to push their limits, to be even better. And we should enjoy seeing them on the court. Without putting two on a pedestal and whistling the other at the slightest step aside.
Novak Djokovic has spent years desperately seeking public love.
Today he seems resigned to feed on his hostility to gain even more.
It must be said that the personality of the world number 1 is controversial.
It is always ready to blow against the direction of the wind.
Against equal pay for men and women in tennis, against the anti-covid vaccine, for matches in two winning sets and not three in the grand slam.
He would have looked smart this Sunday seeing Tsitsipas lift the cup after a 7-6 6-2 win.
In short, Novak Djokovic can annoy, for sure, there is something to do.
But he remains an extraordinary champion.
We don't have to love him, but we should at least respect him.