“Though he won, but how much emotion it cost him,” Former Russian No.1 on the extent Novak Djokovic suffered emotionally

“Though he won, but how much emotion it cost him,” Former Russian No.1 on the extent Novak Djokovic suffered emotionally
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, and one of the sport’s best, had an astounding 2020. First off, the Serbian bagged his eighth Australian Open title. Further, the 33-year-old claimed three other titles on the ATP Tour and finished the year with a win-loss record of 41-5. Moreover, Nole levelled up with Pete Sampras’ prestigious record when he locked his year-end World No.1 ranking for the sixth time. 

While these results are nothing short of extraordinary, some believe that Djokovic was emotionally torn by the end of this season. This is what pushed him to suffer the handful of defeats which he did. 

Recently, Mikhail Youzhny, a former Russian No.1 player and the current coach of the World No.12, Denis Shapovalov, shed light on the Serbian’s psychological state. 

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Youzhny points out the moment which changed Nole

Line Judge, Novak Djokovic

The U.S Open 2020 took place after a six-month long break which was enforced due to the rapid spread of coronavirus. Novak’s greatest blow this season came about at this event when he was disqualified. He had inadvertently hit a line-judge from a ball that he’d struck in anger. The Serb did so upon losing a crucial point against Pablo Carreno Busta. 

Citing a variation in Nole’s mental state after the break, Youzhny said, “If you look closely at his psychological state. Though he later won the Masters in Rome, but how much emotion it cost him. Or the same Roland Garros final. So, if you dig, then without a trace all this for the emotional state did not pass.”

The Russian also highlighted the duel between lucky-loser Lorenzo Sonego and Djokovic, which came in the quarter-final of Vienna Open. Nole had decided to contend in this event in order to secure his year-end ranking atop the charts. Right when he achieved this goal, the Serb suffered one of the worst defeats of his career at the hands of Italy’s Sonego 2-6, 1-6. 

“This also says a lot – how hard it all is it was given to him. He just didn’t play this match anymore,” concluded Youzhny.

Also Read: “Hope next year will bring joy,” says Novak Djokovic after a lukewarm finish to 2020