Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka are among the most followed athletes at this edition of the Olympic Games. Apparently, they have a different attitude toward dealing with the pressure that is coming from their profession.
Naomi Osaka and mental health
The Japanese champion was widely considered the face of the Olympic Games, especially after she had the privilege of lighting the cauldron. Eventually, Naomi Osaka lost as early as in the third round at the hands of an inspired Marketa Vondrousova.
After the match, Naomi Osaka decided to take a secondary exit to avoid the journalists in the so-called mixed zone. Eventually, Naomi decided to go back very quickly and give her view to the Press. The main take was that Osaka was struggling with pressure.
Naomi Osaka famously retired from the French Open after refusing to attend press conferences saying that she was struggling with mental health issues. Later, she also decided not to play in Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic dealing with pressure
The Serbian champion is an absolute legend not only because of his results but also for how he is able to deal with the pressure and adverse conditions. Novak has managed to win impossible matches and quite often during significant finals. He has recently defeated Dominic Thiem (Australian Open), Stefanos Tsitsipas (French Open), and Roger Federer (Wimbledon) turning the table in a rather spectacular way.
Djokovic is currently playing the Olympic Games, where he is trying to win the gold both in singles and mixed doubles, partnering with Nina Stojanovic.
After winning the mixed doubles, Novak Djokovic commented:
“Pressure is a privilege, my friend. Without pressure, there is no professional sport. If you are aiming to be at the top of the game you better start learning how to deal with pressure and how to cope with those moments — on the court but also off the court.”
Djokovic in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2021
Ranked world no.1, Djokovic has achieved a composed 37-3 match record in 2021. Djokovic is competing in Tokyo where he defeated Hugo Dellien 6-2 6-2, Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 6-3 and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-1.
Novak Djokovic will square off with the world no.69 Kei Nishikori in the quarter on Thursday at 5:00 pm on Centre Court. Their actual head to head record is 16-2 for Djokovic.
Djokovic clinched 4 titles in 2021 at the Australian Open, in Belgrade, at the French Open and in Wimbledon. The Serbian was the finalist in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Novak won 85 titles in his career: 48 on hard courts, 17 on clay courts, 13 on indoor courts and 7 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Now the world no.2, the Japanese played her last match on the 27th of July when she was overcome by world no.42 Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 6-4 in the 3rd round in Tokyo (draw).
At present, during this year Naomi achieved an overall 16-4 match record. Naomi clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka |
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