Djokovic’s dreams of completing an elusive record stumbled as he was defeated in the Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev sem-final at the Tokyo Olympics
World number one Novak Djokovic’s hopes of completing a golden slam have gone down the drain as his run in the Tokyo Olympics ended in the semi-finals. Novak Djokovic aimed at achieving something that no men’s Tennis player had thus far. However, Alexander Zverev overcame the Serbian in the semi-final.
Novak Djokovic had arguably been the overwhelming favourite in the semi-final as he possessed plenty of tricks under his armoury. The 34-year old had thrived in pressure moments this year at the grand slams as no other athlete had. Having clinched all three majors this year, Djokovic was high on confidence.
Tokyo Olympics Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev 2021 Live
Alexander Zverev perhaps captured the most significant victory of his career by making a remarkable comeback. The German was a set down 6-1 before defeating the world number one to seal his place in the final. The final scoreline read as 1-6, 6-3, and 6-1. Zverev emerged victorious in ten games in a row to beat Djokovic.
Before that, the world number six had already beaten Novak Djokovic twice. Zverev upset the 20-time grand-slam champion in the Boodles Challenge, a week before Wimbledon 2015. After the match, the 25-year old stated he already aimed to go for the kill and utilized more of his power.
The German Tennis star said he wanted to hit the ball as hard as he could. He felt on the top of this world after beating a man, who he hailed as the greatest Tennis player in this world.
“I just told myself I’m going to swing. I beat a man who, this year, seems impossible to beat at a big event,” said Zverev. “He’s the greatest player of all time,” Zverev stated after the match.
Novak Djokovic to compete for the bronze medal against Pablo Carrenno Busta
But Novak Djokovic’s journey at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is not over. While Zverev will compete with Karen Khachanov for the gold meal, Djokovic will aim for the bronze medal. He will do so by locking horns with Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, who lost to Khachanov.
Should Djokovic win it, it would be his second bronze medal at the global event. He clinched one in the Summer Olympics in Beijing 13 years ago.