“Novak Djokovic knew he was facing the most crucial match of his life” Toni Nadal shares his views on Djokovic’s defeat at the US Open 2021
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Novak Djokovic and Toni Nadal
Novak Djokovic had one of the most brilliant seasons this year especially in the Grand Slams as the reigning World No. 1 won 3 out of the 4 Slams. He came very close to achieving the highly difficult Calendar Slam, winning all 4 Slams in 1 year, but a defeat in the finals of the 2021 US Open denied him the chance to join Rod Laver as the only male player to achieve the Calendar Slam with Laver achieving it 1969.
Novak is often credited for his mental toughness and ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and is not seen overpowered by his emotions and remains completely focused on the match. However, during the finals of the US Open against World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic did not look at his mental best.
Mid-match during the 3rd set when he was 2-sets to love down, Djokovic broke down into tears in his towel during the break between the games. As Medvedev raced towards the Championship Point, Novak was seen fighting his tears as Medvedev prepared to serve.
Speaking about the finals and how it can affect Djokovic who was heartbroken after the finals, Toni Nadal gave his insights on what could have been the Serbian’s situation during the finals.
“The enormous weight of all that was at stake for him made it impossible for him to resist Daniil’s relentless level of play. And I have to admit, I was surprised to see him so affected. He may have been a little less resilient lately, but we all know his tremendous ability to withstand moments of maximum tension with strength and focus,” said Nadal.
“It is certain that this defeat will be painful for Novak Djokovic” says Toni Nadal
Even during the trophy presentation and his on-court and press interviews, Novak found it quite difficult to control his emotions. After his win at the 2021 Wimbledon, things changed a little for the Serbian. He travelled to Japan for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he was on the lookout for the Gold medal and achieve a Career Golden Slam.
Novak however lost in the semi-finals and then the Bronze Medal match at the Olympics. He did not play again until the US Open but had to see him lose his 6th finals in New York.
“Coaches may prepare their players, try to cover all aspects of the game, the different approaches to a game, improve technique, polish shots and physical endurance. There is something that cannot be done such as always be controlled, the control of emotions at certain moments of a match or, in this case, at the decisive moment of an entire sports career.
“Djokovic knew he was facing the most crucial match of his life, the meeting that was to determine the much-talked-about debate in tennis, who is the best player in the history of our sport. It is certain that this defeat will be painful for the Serbian but he will recover,” concluded Nadal believing that Novak will bounce back soon and strong.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic makes his 2nd visit of the year to the Visoko Pyramids
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)