Novak Djokovic is having a fantastic 2021 after winning the first 3 majors of the year. The Serbian legend tried to achieve something impossible to win the so-called Golden Slam, which means winning all majors and the gold medal in the same year.
Steffi Graff was the only tennis player in history to win the Golden Slam in 1988 and Novak tried his best to achieve the same feat. Unfortunately, the Serbian champion was upset in the semi-final by Alexander Zverev. Djokovic was also unable to win the bronze medal after he lost to Pablo Carreno-Busta in the following match.
Novak Djokovic had a similar fate in mixed doubles. The world number 1 was partnering with Nina Stojanovic. He was expected to play for the bronze medal soon after he lost in singles. Nevertheless, that was too much for Novak’s body and he decided to concede a walk over to Ashleigh Barty and John Peers.
The injury and pain
Novak Djokovic felt bad for Nina, but he was definitely not in the right condition to compete. Djokovic released the following statement:
“I apologize to all the fans in Serbia who I have disappointed. I know everyone expected a medal; I did too. I feel bad for Nina because we did not fight for a medal in mixed, but my body said ’enough’: I have played under medications and abnormal pain and exhaustion.
But again, my heart is in the right place because I know that I gave my all. I love to play for my country. Unfortunately, I did not get the result I wanted, but that is sport, we move on.”
North American schedule
Novak decided to take a prolonged break and not compete in the Rogers Cup in Toronto. He will defend his title in Cincinnati before trying to win the US Open.
After losing to Pablo Carreno-Busta, Novak Djokovic confirmed that he was not even 100% sure that his body will be ready for the American slam.
Time will tell.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
Now ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 31st of July when he was defeated by world no.11 Pablo Carreno-Busta 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 in the Bro. in Tokyo (draw).
At the moment, during this season Djokovic has achieved a compiled 38-5 match record. Novak conquered 4 titles in 2021 at the Australian Open, in Belgrade, at the French Open and in Wimbledon. The Serbian got to the final in Rome.
Nina Stojanovic in 2021
Ranked no.92, the Serbian played her last match on the 26th of July when she surrendered to world no.19 Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-2 in the 2nd round in Tokyo (draw).
This season Stojanovic has managed to achieve a composed 16-16 win-loss record. Nina Stojanovic’s best result of the current season was reaching the semifinal in Nottingham.
Novak Djokovic |
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