“Overall, I found Novak Djokovic powerless on his tactical choices against Daniil Medvedev,” says Fabrice Santoro
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Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev
World No.2 Daniil Medvedev not only stopped the World No.1 Novak Djokovic from achieving the Calendar Slam, but in the process also managed to grab onto his maiden Major title.
After losing his first two Grand Slam finals, the Russian machine finally won the 2021 US Open in grand fashion, as he beat the Serbian star in straight sets.
While the 20-time Grand Slam champion wasn’t at his very best, Medvedev produced a clinical performance to get over the line in New York. From smashing aces, winning cheap points on the serve, to sublime shot-making from the back court, the 25-year-old was playing the perfect game.
On the other hand, the top seed looked jaded, and was quickly running out of ideas. Although Djokovic was presented with a few opportunities to get back into the match, it was all squandered by the 34-year-old.
Speaking on how the match panned out, former French professional Fabrice Santoro felt opined that while Medvedev was making all the tactical moves work, Djokovic lacked intensity and remained flat throughout the match.
“Well done to Daniil who played the perfect match from start to finish. But as strong as he (Djokovic) mentally when you express a new situation, namely a match for the Grand Slam and a 21st title, it can be too high, there were small flames especially at the start of the second set, but the fire did not catch.”
“Overall, I found Djoko powerless on his tactical choices. The symbol is his game at the net: he scored a lot of points but it is also proof that he felt powerless in his sector. What he proposed was not enough,” the 48-year-old Santoro explained.
Indian Wells next stop for Medvedev?
Although Djokovic is expected to bounce back strongly in 2022, with an eye on the 10th title in Melbourne, Medvedev has made a resounding statement with his famous win in New York.
Also, there is no clarity on whether Djokovic would show up at the next ATP Masters in Indian Wells. Expect the 2021 US Open champion to make it to the desert though.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)