After US Open exit, Novak Djokovic admits focusing too much on ‘winning Olympic gold’ took a toll on him
Novak Djokovic said that spending a lot of his energy on winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics was the reason behind his US Open exit.
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Novak Djokovic admitted that losing at the US Open had something to do with his win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Djokovic, who entered the US Open as a defending champion, lost in the third round at Arthur Ashe Stadium to Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 on Friday (August 30).
Although Djokovic eased past the opponents, Radu Albot and Laslo Djere, in the previous rounds, he felt he did not give his best in those two matches. He also thinks the surface played a role in his elimination. The tennis matches at the Paris Olympics were played at the clay courts of Roland Garros and after winning the gold medal, Djokovic did not play any tournaments on hard court before arriving at Flushing Meadows.
I spent a lot of energy winning the gold. I did arrive in New York not feeling fresh mentally and physically. Because it’s US Open I gave it a shot. I didn’t have physical issues. I just felt out of gas. You could see that with the way I played from the very beginning. From the first match, I didn’t find myself at all on this court.Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
The 37-year-old played his first final at the Olympics and beat Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. Even Alcaraz got knocked out of the US Open after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets in the second round.
Alexei Popyrin says win over ‘GOAT’ Novak Djokovic was unbelievable
Alexei Popyrin met Novak Djokovic twice in Grand Slams this season before their US Open clash. They clashed at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, with Djokovic winning both. After the win, Popyrin was all praise for Djokovic as it was also his first victory over the Serb in their four encounters.
To be able to do it against the greatest of all time to get into the fourth round is unbelievable. It’s a great feeling and the hard work has paid off.Alexei Popyrin said after the match
Djokovic has failed to reach the US Open fourth round for the first time in 18 years. He even ended the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. The only major final Djokovic was able to reach this year was at Wimbledon where he lost in straight sets to Carlos Alcaraz. At the French Open, he advanced to the quarterfinals but a knee injury forced him to withdraw.
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