Smooth in three sets: Novak Djokovic missed out on Sunday against Daniil Medvedev (25), also winning the fourth Grand Slam tournament of 2021.
Instead, the Russian triumphs 6: 4, 6: 4, 6: 4, Novak cries – and the tennis world is amazed.
Not just about Medvedev, who really deserves his first Grand Slam title. Above all, Djokovic is puzzled. The Serb was a shadow of himself.
His ex-trainer Boris Becker also sees it that way. The “Eurosport” expert explains: “It was one match too many for Novak Djokovic. He was nervously unable to control his emotions. ” Strong nerves and a winning mentality are two of Djokovic’s trademarks.
“It’s just inhuman”
Nole won a Grand Slam final 20 times, but everything went wrong in this one. Also because it was about much more than “just” the US Open title. Becker: «He wanted to write history. He wanted to become the most successful Grand Slam player of all time. He didn’t want to be one of the best. He wanted to be THE best. “
Dominic Thiem (28), also visiting the broadcaster as an expert, says: “You could see the tension Novak Djokovic was under – especially when he last changed sides, when he came to tears. We saw what was going on in him, including what had accumulated in him over the past few weeks and months. It’s just inhuman. “
“One step ahead of Tsitsipas and Zverev”
The pressure was immense – and had a massive impact on Novak’s game. The Serb made atypical mistakes, had a weak breakball rate and many unforced errors. Becker relentlessly: “I’ve never seen him so haphazardly!”
Becker, however, attests the winner a golden future: “I am convinced that Daniil will win even more Grand Slam tournaments. For me he is the most well rested of the younger generation. He knows how to win the matches and can prepare for the big matches. He doesn’t get hectic or nervous. He is one step ahead of Tsitsipas or Zverev. ” (wst)
The Russian wins the US Open: At this point, Medvedev destroys Djokovic’s dreams(00:25)