“I do not understand his body language” Goran Ivanisevic blames Novak Djokovic’s lack of energy for his loss against Rafael Nadal
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Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanisevic
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal butted heads in the quarterfinal of the French Open 2022. It was a rare moment that Djokovic was a slight favorite in their encounter at the Roland Garros. But, Djokovic succumbed to a brutal loss against Rafa as the thirteen-time French Open Champion demolished him. Djokovic lost 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-7(4-7), and from the first game, it looked like Nadal was 10 years younger, more aggressive, and hungry.
Djokovic had not dropped a set in the Italian Open as he came to the French Open in his top form. He also made it to the semifinals wrapping up all of his games in three sets, but something was lacking in Djokovic that night. From the first point itself, Djokovic was looking beaten. It looked like Djokovic didn’t have his usual confidence and belief that he could take down anyone in the world.
Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic was deeply disturbed by Djokovic’s aura in the match. They always knew it was going to be tough with the crowd being against Djokovic, but Ivanisevic said that Novak’s diminished aura was visible to the casual audience as well. He said: “Rafa’s energy was amazing, and it was like Novak did not have enough belief.”
Goran Ivanisevic feels that Novak Djokovic made a lot of lapses
Ivanisevic said that though Novak made a nervous start to the match, he was getting better slowly. But there were some slight lapses that cost Djokovic. He said:
“I have read many comments and analyses emphasizing Rafa’s offense with a forehand down the line. That is correct, but Novak’s backhand crosscourt was not as deep and penetrative as it usually is – a lot of the times, the ball landed in the middle of the court or in an ideal spot for Rafa to attack. Once Novak started using his backhand down the line more, the momentum in the second set changed, and then his crosscourt backhand became stronger as well. Rafa used what Novak gave to him – he is the king and an owner of this court, and he does not allow you to have lapses, you pay for them immediately.”
Ivanisevic blamed Novak’s lack of belief to be the main culprit in his loss against Nadal. Even when Djokovic was leading the fourth set, it was very uncharacteristic of him to just blow up the lead and go on to lose the set and the game. All of these were signs that Djokovic was not able to muster up enough confidence to put away a very aggressive and confident Nadal. Though Ivanisevic is confident his ward would bounce back, he rues missed opportunities.
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Prateek Sinha
(365 Articles Published)