© Daniel Pockett/Getty Images & Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic shared plenty of laughs in their Instagram Live.
Wawrinka & Djokovic Reunite On Instagram Live
ATP Staff
Off Court News
Top stars chat on Saturday
Top players on the ATP Tour have been forming their own talk show circuit this week on social media. Just 24 hours after Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray held an Instagram Live together, the Serbian returned to the platform on Saturday for a chat with Stan Wawrinka that covered plenty of ground.
As the pair discussed last year's Wimbledon final and the crowd support that Roger Federer received, Wawrinka asked Djokovic why he thinks this happens in many of their matches. The World No. 1 in the FedEx ATP Rankings responded by paying tribute to both Federer and Rafael Nadal, acknowledging that their games and personalities make it easy for fans to get behind them.
"In most places, I'm not expecting the majority of the crowd to be on my side [when I play them]… I think it's just the greatness of Federer and Nadal, not just as tennis players, but as people," Djokovic said. "[They're] very charismatic and nice guys, humble guys, great champions who have made a huge mark in our sport. I'm part of their era, so in one way I'm lucky and in another way, not so much."
"I think it's more just the greatness of @rogerfederer & @RafaelNadal, not them just as tennis players but them as people."@stanwawrinka asked @DjokerNole about crowd support. This was his response 👇 #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/leOUHUzDTt
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 18, 2020
Wawrinka has found ways to entertain fans with his recent social media posts, but the Swiss made it clear that he's eager to begin competing again. He felt that last year was his best season mentally and wants to continue the upward momentum that he'd been building in his game.
"I feel like I'm appreciating what I'm doing now much more than ever… What really motivates me is the emotions on the court and with the fans. At many tournaments [last year], I had the whole crowd with me or against me, and I really appreciated it," Wawrinka said. "One of my goals is to win more tournaments because it's been awhile since I've done that. I really believe in trusting the process, doing the work and that the results will come."
You May Also Like: Djokovic & Murray Bring The Fun On Instagram Live
Djokovic is also looking for ways to sharpen tools in his arsenal. Although his options for physical training are limited now, he believes that the time off could provide a chance to work on aspects of his mental game.
"We're always moving from one tournament to another, so you're always thinking about the next thing and don't even have time to celebrate a big win. This time, where we're not competing for several months, is great practice for us to be more present," Djokovic said. "When I'm completely in the moment, I play my best matches because I'm not thinking about what I'm doing. It comes automatically. We've both lost matches because you feel like being there is not enough. You feel like you have to do more and it becomes a huge mess."
Djokovic and Wawrinka also shared light-hearted moments during their talk. They joked about the Serbian's playful banter on the shorts that Wawrinka wore while winning the 2015 Roland Garros title, as well as Djokovic's regimented diet.
"Are you 35, Stan? What's your secret potion."
"It's not vegan." 😂@stanwawrinka | @DjokerNole | #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/n9kjUeoT0u