Novak Djokovic lost a tough semi-final in Belgrade agaisnt Aslan Karatsev. However, Novak Djokovic is well known for being an extremely gracious loser on top of being one of the greatest tennis players in history.
Djokovic was clearly burning inside after losing to Aslan Karatsev in 3 sets, but he congratulated his conqueror soon after the match at the net and in the following press conference.
“Karatsev showed a lot of courage and that is why I gave him the thumbs up. I felt like he deserved to win. Once the final point is done, there is never bad blood. We are rivals on the court, but I don’t hate anybody. I can’t be upset with him if he beat me. I have to be upset with myself and question why I lost the match. Whoever beats me deserves the credit and I gave him that,” Novak commented.
Novak Djokovic will try to regroup and get the best possible preparation in order to win the upcoming French Open. His next stops will be Madrid and Rome. Novak has often managed to bounce back from gloomy periods. He was already bitterly disappointed after he lost in Monte Carlo at the hands of Daniel Evans.
He will find his way again.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
At the moment ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 24th of April when he was defeated by world no.28 Aslan Karatsev 7-5 4-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Belgrade (draw).
At present, during this year Novak achieved a compiled 12-2 record. Djokovic conquered 1 title at the Australian Open.
Karatsev in Belgrade, ranking, and results in 2021
Currently the world no.28, Karatsev owns a 20-4 win-loss record in 2021. Karatsev is now competing in Belgrade where he conquered Aljaz Bedene 6-3 4-6 7-65, Gianluca Mager 6-3 6-4 and Novak Djokovic 7-5 4-6 6-4.
Aslan Karatsev will come up against the world no.10 Matteo Berrettini in the final on Sunday at 5:00 pm on CENTER COURT. They have never competed against each other until now in top tournaments.
Aslan has won 1 title in 2021 in Dubai.
Novak Djokovic and Aslan Karatsev played each other only twice. Their current head to head is 1-1. Previously, the last time when they fought against each other, Aslan Karatsev won 7-5 4-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Belgrade (Serbia Open) on the 24th of April 2021.
Here the highlights.
