Novak Djokovic opens up on DEMORALIZING defeat at the French Open that shaped his career

Djokovic was leading by two sets to love but Melzer made a terrific comeback to snatch the victory from the Serb.

Novak Djokovic opens up on DEMORALIZING defeat at the French Open that shaped his career

Novak Djokovic (Image via Times of India)

Novak Djokovic is inching closer to a record 24 Grand Slam titles. In the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, he is the heavy favorite and it won’t be wrong to say that he looks unbeatable.

The Serbian legend is famous for his mental strength and incredible work ethic. His athleticism on the courts only makes one wonder how he can pull them off even at the age of 36. He has often revealed that if most of the crowd on the court is rooting for his opponent or if they boo him, instead of making his morale down, it only motivates him to win the match.

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But was Djokovic always like this? The answer is no. In 2010, Djokovic, seeded third, faced former World No. 8 Jurgen Melzer in the quarterfinal of the French Open. Djokovic was leading by two sets to love but Melzer made a terrific comeback to snatch the victory from the Serb, winning the match with a score of 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 in a marathon match that lasted for four hours and 15 minutes.

It was the only time, the 36-year-old lost a match despite leading by two sets. The Austrian also won his first match against Djokovic after their four encounters.

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Novak Djokovic clearly remembers how he felt after that defeat

Novak Djokovic opens up on DEMORALIZING defeat at the French Open that shaped his career
Novak Djokovic (Image via YouTube)

Serbian media asked Novak Djokovic about his feeling when he lost a quarterfinal match against Jurgen Melzer. Djokovic said how he clearly remembers those emotions he felt after the match, accepting he feels grateful for that loss which ultimately changed his career.

“I remember clearly how much I cricked after the match in Marjan’s and Milijan’s (Amanovic, physiotherapist) room, we then talked for a long time, set up a new plan the day after, and from that moment on my career really took off,” said the seven-time Wimbledon champion (via Tennismajors.com).

The 23-time Grand Slam champion added that after going through such emotions, he played his second final at US Open, won the Davis Cup, and enjoyed winning 41 matches in a row.

Djokovic is currently playing in the semifinal in the ongoing Wimbledon against Italy’s Jannik Sinner on Centre Court on Friday (July 14). It will be interesting to see if he reaches his third Grand Slam final this year. If he wins and secures a berth in the final, he will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in the blockbuster summit clash.

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