Novak Djokovic had an extremely disappointing experience at the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo. The world number 1 decided to participate in this prestigious competition trying to win the so-called Golden Slam, which means winning all 4 majors and the gold medal in the same year. This feat was achieved only by Steffi Graf back in 1988.
Novak Djokovic had a great start at the Olympics after he reached the semifinals in both singles and mixed doubles with the help of Nina Stojanovic without dropping a single set. Things got horribly wrong in the following matches after Novak Djokovic lost both semi-finals.
Djokovic smashing his racket
Novak Djokovic completely lost his cool when he was playing for the bronze medal against Pablo Carreno-Busta. During the match, the Serbian sensation got so nervous to throw one racket in the stands when he struggled with his frustration. Later in the match, Djokovic could not contain his rage to destroy another racket.
When asked to comment about his behavior, Novak Djokovic commented:
“It happens. It was not the first time, and it won’t probably be the last. I do not like to do these things, but we are all human beings. Sometimes it’s tough to control your emotions.”
It is worth noticing that a very similar episode happened during the last US Open when Novak Djokovic defaulted after hitting a lineswoman at her throat. Also, in that case, Novak Djokovic was playing against Pablo Carreno-Busta.
Rafael Nadal not impressed
Rafael Nadal is currently in Washington, where he is about to play the Citi Open. When he was asked to comment about Novak Djokovic’s behavior, the Spaniard said that he was not impressed because Champions need to set an example for the kids.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
Ranked world no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 31st of July when he was overcome by world no.11 Pablo Carreno-Busta 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 in the Bro. in Tokyo (draw).
This season the Serbian owns a 38-5 win-loss record. The Serbian 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.
Rafael Nadal in 2021
Ranked no.3, Nadal played his last match on the 11th of June when he lost to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal in French Open (draw).
During this season Nadal has managed to achieve an overall 23-4 match record. Nadal clinched 2 titles in 2021 in Barcelona and in Rome.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal clashed against each other 58 times. Their current head to head is 30-28 for Djokovic. The last time they played, Novak Djokovic won 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal in Paris (French Open) on the 11th of June 2021.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal |
| Embed from Getty Images |
