“Novak Djokovic made a mistake, that was not necessary” Goran Ivanisevic talks of the Serbian’s Tokyo Olympics campaign and its effect on the US Open later
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Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic came very close to creating another historic record by winning all 4 majors in a season during the 2021 season. With Grand Slam titles in Australia, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Novak was the heavy favourite for the 2021 US Open and he even reached the finals but Daniil Medvedev finally had his moment as he stopped Novak from completing the Calendar Slam.
Novak’s win in 2021 Wimbledon saw him match Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the 20-major mark. Had he won the US Open, he would have won his 21st major becoming the first-ever man to reach the number, but it was not his day. With a 27-1 record in Grand Slams last season, it was one of the most brilliant individual seasons by any player on the Tour.
There remained however one question when the Serbian’s campaign was reviewed at the end of the season. Having clinched the Wimbledon on 11th July last year, he went on to represent Serbia at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 which began on 24th July under strict Covid restrictions and bio-bubble. Novak played in both singles and mixed doubles but had to return empty-handed as he lost in the Bronze medal match in singles and had to give a walkover prior to his Bronze medal match in mixed doubles.
Novak’s campaign in Tokyo is seen as the reason for his defeat in New York as the player was visibly exhausted and narrowly missed out on a historic achievement. Speaking on the matter, newly-appointed head coach Goran Ivanisevic gave his personal opinion on whether Novak should have gone for the Olympics or not.
“First of all, he’s very proud and he loves to play for his country. Every Davis Cup he’s played, every Olympics. No one could stop him from playing in the Olympics. I don’t think he made a mistake. I just think he made a mistake playing the mixed doubles. That was not necessary, because, in the end, he was tired. He didn’t even play for third or fourth place. I don’t think that because of this he lost the final of the US Open,” said Ivanisevic in his latest interview with Ubitennis.
“You can never underestimate Medvedev”: Goran Ivanisevic on the US Open finals between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev
After a disappointing end to his campaign in Japan, all eyes were on the US Open couple of months later as Novak had announced of picking up a shoulder injury and did not play in any tournament during the US Open leg in the build-up for the Grand Slam. While Novak fought his way to the finals, it was Medvedev’s day to shine as he picked up his first-ever Grand Slam title defeating the World No. 1 in the finals.
“(Daniil) Medvedev was very good. You can never underestimate him at any time. He’s an unbelievable player. He was a better player that day. But Novak was not Novak. Something was missing. But again, I don’t think it was because of the Olympics. It just happens. It happened in a bad moment. It happened in the most important match. Probably it would have been the history of tennis to win after so many years. The first guy who had the chance to complete the Grand Slam in the same calendar year,” said Ivanisevic.
Novak’s decision to travel to Japan for the Olympics was solely in his quest for an Olympic Gold, the only thing missing from his trophy cabinet. With the next Olympics in 2024 in Paris, it will be interesting to see if the Serbian finally fulfils his desire and brings the highest glory to his nation.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)