“That’s exactly how I want them to feel,” Novak Djokovic purposely WANTS his compatriots to fear him in ‘Best of 5’ matches at Grand Slams

Players will certainly feel the pressure in the upcoming tournaments while facing Djokovic

“That’s exactly how I want them to feel,” Novak Djokovic purposely WANTS his compatriots to fear him in ‘Best of 5’ matches at Grand Slams

Novak Djokovic wins his 23rd Grand Slam beating Casper Ruud (Image credit Roland-Garros/Twitter)

Novak Djokovic has won his third Roland Garros French Open trophy, beating Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-6 (7-1), 6-3, and 7-5. The 36-year-old, after the crushing victory, declared during the press conference that his opponents “feel pressure” facing him.

Djokovic has maintained pace with the lofty standard established by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal since his professional debut 18 years ago, pushing his limitations and never questioning himself for a second. Sunday’s victory means he now has 23 Grand Slams to his name, breaking Nadal’s record.

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He is the first man to win every Grand Slam three times in his career. Moreover, he will return to being World No. 1 for the record-breaking 388th week.“Every single player dreams of being on this stage and winning the trophy at least once in their career,” said Djokovic, claiming it’s an “incredible feeling” to win 23 Grand Slams.

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The Serb highlighted that his latest win on the clay court isn’t a “coincidence.” Over the years, Nadal has dominated the French Open scene with 14 wins. It has always been a story of near-misses for Djokovic. He reminded everyone, ‘“It’s not a coincidence that I’ve won my 23rd Grand Slam title here because it has been tough to win this one.”Djokovic congratulated his counterpart, Casper Ruud, for reaching three of the last five Grand Slam finals. He jokingly said,” I wish you to win against everyone but me!”

Djokovic believes his opponents feel the pressure while facing him.

Ruud tried his best, but the fourth seed couldn’t keep up with Djokovic after the first set went into a tiebreak. Rudd praised his performance, ” He just steps up, either he plays ridiculous defense or wins beautiful games.”

Related: Casper Ruud in disbelief after 2023 French Open final loss; says Novak Djokovic is not ‘human’

Coach Ivanisevic praises Djokovic’s performance

Novak Djokovic with coach Goran Ivanisevic
Novak Djokovic with coach Goran Ivanisevic (Image credit Reuters/Twitter)

It has been a rough couple of years for Novak Djokovic, with his vaccine fiasco and being barred from participating in the 2022 US Open. During that time, his priorities changed to focus only on winning Grand Slams.

After his withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to an elbow injury, Djokovic set his eyes on the French Open. His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, said Djokovic has “software” in his head “that he can switch when a grand slam comes.” According to him, Grand Slams are different and tougher compared to other tournaments.

During his winner’s speech, Djokovic recounted that he wanted to win the Wimbledon and become the No. 1 player in the world as a child. He has certainly achieved that 10 times over the years. He will get another shot at conquering the grass court for the fifth consecutive time in England this coming July.

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