The things people say about Novak Djokovic. He has the fake enthusiasm of a salesman. He's an engineer trying to pass off as an entertainer. He's an elastic talent with an acting gene. Some people just don't like that he wants so desperately to be liked.

But I like Djokovic. A lot. I like his splits, his scowls, his applauding of rivals, his backhand cross-court that's hit with a slide rule, and how he once lifted a boy over the fence at the Australian Open and practised with him. Maybe it was all show, but it was a good one. Just go ask the boy. And, anyway, if Nick Kyrgios is our modern version of authentic, I'll take Djokovic any day.