‘Novak Djokovic is special, keeps raising his level of play,’ says Frances Tiafoe
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Frances Tiafoe and Novak Djokovic
World No.1 Novak Djokovic might not have won any medal any for his country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, that doesn’t spoil or alter the fact that the Serb has arguably enjoyed the best time of his career, winning the first three Grand Slams of the year.
After winning the French Open in June, the 20-time Grand Slam champion also became only the second player in the Open Era, after Rod Laver to win all Slams, at least twice.
Speaking on the greatness of Djokovic, ATP colleague, Frances Tiafoe, who has experienced and witnessed the professionalism of the Serb said, “The guy’s special, man. He can play on all surfaces, he’s moving so well, his serve has gotten a lot better. Mentally, just the toughest in the world. Not necessarily he has the best forehand, backhand or whatever, just mentally he’s so, so good,” Tiafoe said.
The American has met the 34-year-old only once. They met recently at the 2021 Australian Open in the second round. On the occasion, Tiafoe managed to take one set off Djokovic, but eventually lost the match in four sets.
“As you raise your level, he’s going to keep raising it, keep raising it, and really make you beat him. He goes to a place that people just don’t quite want to go to it seems like. He’s always got an answer for you. He’s on the brink of achieving something crazy special,” the 23-year-old Tiafoe further explained.
Tiafoe wants to stop Novak’s winning run
“As much as I love seeing greatness, I’d like it to stop, someone else win, preferably me. We’ll see how it goes in the end.”
Unfortunately, Tiafoe lost in the opening round of the Citi Open to fellow American, Jenson Brooksby. Meanwhile, Djokovic is certain to play the Cincinnati Masters, ahead of the US Open, where he will be keen on creating history, by becoming the second player in the Open Era to win a Calendar Slam.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)