Rennae Stubbs expresses vexation over bookmakers calling 22-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic ‘underdog’ in front of Carlos Alcaraz
With a thumping win over Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic inched closer to winning a record 23 Grand Slams.
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Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rennae Stubbs (Images via ATP and Twitter)
Novak Djokovic was an underdog in front of Carlos Alcaraz. Many fans argued that the Serb got lucky when the Spaniard struggled with cramps in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open. Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs slammed those who think so.
The 2023 Roland Garros semifinal was considered a mouth-watering match of the year, and the watchers of the game expected it to be a thriller. However, the Serb did not break a sweat while beating the 20-year-old with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. The Spaniard prodigy struggled with cramps which hampered his movements in the third and fourth sets. Rennae Stubbs, on Twitter, took a shot at those who were saying Djokovic got lucky because of Alcaraz’s cramps.
“For all the people out there saying Novak got “lucky” that Carlos cramped. THIS IS NOT LUCK! It’s called playing 100s of these types of matches & learning how to monitor ur anxieties, emotions, nerves & body. It takes time to learn, especially against the greats & over 5 sets,” Stubbs said
Stubbs failed to understand how someone like Djokovic, who has won a whopping 22 Grand Slams, could be considered an underdog. Though she understands that Alcaraz is exceptional but believes beating the Serb is the most daunting task for any player.
In another tweet, she wrote: “Said on my show yesterday, I couldn’t believe a guy that’s won 22 majors, was the underdog? I know Carlos is exceptional but to beat Novak over 5 sets in a slam has been a daunting task for ANYONE! So the bookmakers were NUTS on this! Same odds ok but undergod, ah hell NO!“
Novak Djokovic nears record 23rd Grand Slam
With a thumping win over Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic inched closer to winning a record 23 Grand Slams. The Serb reached his 34th major final and is a two-time champion at Roland Garros (2016 and 2021).
On Sunday, the Serb will face 4th seed Casper Ruud who downed Germany’s Alexander Zverev easily with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 win in the semi-finals. Ruud will be playing his third Grand Slam final at the past five major tournaments.
Last year, at the same tournament and stage, Ruud lost to Rafael Nadal in straight sets. Nadal is absent from this tournament due to a hip injury and is tied with Djokovic right now with 22 Grand Slams.
If the 36-year-old wins his third French Open trophy, he will become the first man to lift at least three Grand Slam titles at each of the four major tournaments. If he beats Ruud, he will also become World No.1. Djokovic has won all four matches whenever he and Norwegian have locked horns.
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Gouri Das
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