Tag: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic: International acknowledgment of his greatness may be grudging, but Serbian legend is intent on making more history

A record 24th Grand Slam title, most weeks as No. 1, most Major finals, are not enough for him to be satisfied.

A 24th Grand Slam singles title and fourth US Open in tow, Novak Djokovic arrived in his home country to a raucous reception, thousands waving flags and cheering as the World No.1, who is now the outright record-holder in Open Era Majors, was overawed by the occasion. (Twitter)

It was supposed to be a celebration of the silver medal won by the Serbian national basketball team at the FIBA World Cup, but the occasion was proverbially gatecrashed by a history-maker.

A 24th Grand Slam singles title and fourth US Open in tow, Novak Djokovic arrived in his home country to a raucous reception, thousands waving flags and cheering as the World No.1, who is now the outright record-holder in Open Era Majors, was overawed by the occasion. “This is a childhood dream come true, because once upon a time I was down there and celebrating,” he was quoted as saying by tennismajors.com, holding back tears.

Djokovic has always worn his Serbian heritage on his sleeve, in acknowledgment of all that he has had to overcome to achieve what he has, and in defiance of the kind of stereotypes that are associated with his home country. Stereotypes that, he believes, continue to hold him back in international acknowledgment of his greatness despite his resume suggesting so.

“One thing is a fact, though – if I wasn’t from Serbia, I’d have been glorified on a sporting level many years ago, especially in the West,” he was quoted as saying by tennismajors.com, translating his Serbian post-US Open press conference. “But that’s part of my journey, I am grateful and proud to come from Serbia – because of that, all of these accomplishments are sweeter and even more fulfilling.”

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/tennis/novak-djokovic-international-acknowledgment-of-his-greatness-may-be-grudging-but-serbian-legend-is-intent-on-making-more-history-8938876/

US Open 2023 Final Highlights: Novak Djokovic beats Daniil Medvedev, wins 24th Grand Slam title

Read Sportstar’s highlights of the US Open 2023 men’s singles final in which Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (right) celebrates with the trophy after winning the US Open beside runner-up Russia’s Daniil Medvedev (left) in New York. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of the US Open 2023 men’s singles final in which Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5). Djokovic grabbed his fourth US Open title and equalled Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slams. This was Nihit Sachdeva taking you through the action as it unfolded at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

Source: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/novak-djokovic-vs-daniil-medvedev-live-score-us-open-2023-final-grand-slam-updates-highlights-records-streaming-info/article67292933.ece

US Open 2023: Daniil Medvedev knocks out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to set up final with Novak Djokovic

Daniil Medvedev delivered a top performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the US Open 2023 and set up a mouthwatering final against Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles event.

Medvedev outclassed the defending champion to reach the final (Courtesy: Reuters)

Daniil Medvedev put on a brilliant performance in the semi-final of the US Open 2023 as he knocked out the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to setup a summit clash with Novak Djokovic.

Medvedev defeated Alcaraz 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to book his place in the final of this year’s US Open, which will be a rematch of the summit clash from 2021.

The first set was a closely contested affair. Despite Alcaraz’s impressive first serve percentage of 83% compared to Medvedev’s 57%, the Russian managed to bring the game to a tie-break. Medvedev took control immediately and won the tie-break convincingly with a score of 7-3.

This momentum carried over into the second set, where Medvedev quickly found himself leading 3-0. Despite Alcaraz’s attempts to claw back, Medvedev maintained his dominance, breaking Alcaraz’s serve and finishing the set with a score of 6-1.

However, Alcaraz was not ready to concede defeat. In the third set, he managed to turn the tables on Medvedev. After saving two break points, Alcaraz capitalized on Medvedev’s errors and won the third set 6-3. This victory breathed new life into the match and set the stage for an exciting fourth set.

The fourth set saw both players fighting tooth and nail for every point. Medvedev managed to break Alcaraz’s serve early in the set, putting him in a commanding position. Despite facing multiple break points, Medvedev held his nerve and served out the match, winning the fourth set 6-3.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/tennis/story/us-open-2023-daniil-medvedev-carlos-alcaraz-semi-final-novak-djokovic-arthur-ashe-stadium-2433241-2023-09-09

Veteran Djokovic overcomes Shelton to reach US Open final

Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 8, 2023 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi final match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Novak Djokovic used his experience to overcome American Ben Shelton as the Serbian battled past his 20-year-old challenger 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to reach his 10th U.S. Open final on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.

Shelton had flummoxed opponents in New York with his big serve, but the 36-year-old second seed Djokovic was able to harness his experience to neutralise a third-set surge from the young American.

He next faces the winner of a match between top seed and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and third seed Daniil Medvedev.

“Obviously I knew that he’s got a lot of firepower. He has an amazing pop on the serve, he’s just so dynamic and very unpredictable what comes next,” said Djokovic. “I just had to stay there mentally, present, calm, and focus on the game plan.”

Already assured of returning to the top of the world rankings when they are updated after the tournament, Djokovic will continue the hunt for his 24th Grand Slam title to match Margaret Court’s all-time singles record on Sunday.

Shelton handed Djokovic a break in the sixth game of the first set with a series of unforced errors, and the unseeded American was unable to convert his own break point chance in the ninth.

In the second set, Shelton’s best weapon failed him as he helped Djokovic secure a break with a double fault in the fifth game and he dropped his racquet in frustration as he sent a forehand out to hand the Serb another break in the seventh.

Djokovic was competing in his 47th major semi-final while Shelton was appearing in his first. The difference in experience was apparent as the second seed broke Shelton with a fine forehand winner in the opening game of the third set.

But the American came to life late as he fended off a break point with a 143-mph (230-kph) ace in the fifth game to a chorus of cheers from the home crowd.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/veteran-djokovic-overcomes-shelton-reach-us-open-final-2023-09-08/

Djokovic turns up heat to beat Fritz and breeze into U.S. Open semi-finals

Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 5, 2023 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his quarter final match against Taylor Fritz of the U.S. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid Acquire Licensing Rights

Novak Djokovic shrugged off stifling heat and Taylor Fritz to breeze into the U.S. Open semi-finals 6-1 6-4 6-4 on Tuesday and stay on course for a fourth Flushing Meadows crown that would see him match Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams.

With temperatures once again nudging towards 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), Djokovic turned in a cool, clinical effort, improving his record against American opposition at the U.S. Open to a perfect 12-0.

While Fritz’s Grand Slam came to an end, the U.S. is guaranteed at least one player in the men’s semi-finals with Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton meeting in an all-American clash on Arthur Ashe later on Tuesday with Djokovic waiting to take on the winner for a spot in Sunday’s final.

“It’s expected of course that people are backing the home player and there is nothing wrong with that,” said Djokovic. “I actually like the energy, like the atmosphere on centre court here.

“Day sessions, night sessions, people are getting into it.

“I’m fine with that. I thrive on that energy and try to use it as a fuel.

“I’ve been playing on this court for so many years, so many epic matches, I can’t wait for another one in a few days time.”

On a baking hot day, 19-year-old Coco Gauff had warmed up the Arthur Ashe crowd, blasting past Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-0 6-2 to become the youngest American to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals since Serena Williams in 2001.

Source:https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/djokovic-turns-up-heat-beat-fritz-breeze-into-us-open-semi-finals-2023-09-05/

Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic eases to Last 16 after defeating Stan Wawrinka in one-way traffic

Novak Djokovic defeated Stan Wawrinka to secure his 31st consecutive victory at Wimbledon, propelling him into the last 16 of a Grand Slam for an impressive 61st time. In the next round, he is set to face Poland’s 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz.

Novak Djokovic continued his dominant run at Wimbledon by defeating Stan Wawrinka in their third-round clash on Friday. Wawrinka had already expressed his belief that he had no chance of beating the seven-time champion, and his prediction proved accurate as he was outplayed on Centre Court.

Djokovic wasted no time in asserting his dominance, quickly winning the first two sets. His precise and powerful groundstrokes left Wawrinka struggling to keep up. Despite facing some resistance from Wawrinka in the third set, Djokovic ultimately secured a 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(5) victory.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/tennis/story/wimbledon-novak-djokovic-eases-to-last-16-after-defeating-stan-wawrinka-in-one-way-traffic-2403581-2023-07-08

NOVAK DJOKOVIC ACCUSED OF STOKING POLITICAL FIRES AT FRENCH OPEN

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is catching heat for making a political stance at the first round of the French Open on Monday.

After defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic, the Djoker wrote “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence” on a broadcast camera lens, drawing attention to the ongoing conflicts in Kosovo where ethnic Serbians are being punished over a political uprise.

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates victory during the Men’s Singles First Round Match against Aleksandar Kovacevic of United States during Day 2 of the Roland Garros on May 29, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

In response to the backlash over his comment, Djokovic emphasized that he is against conflict but is willing to take a stand for Serbians under oppression in Kosovo, which is also where his father, Srdjan Djokovic, was born.

“As a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to entire Serbia,” Djokovic said. “My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly. I empathize with all people, but the situation with Kosovo is a precedent in international law.”

Djokovic Is No Stranger to Backlash

Kosovo’s tennis federation took offense to Djokovic’s statement. Federation president Jeton Hadergjonaj issued a statement, faulting Djokovic for stoking political division with his message.

“The comments made by Novak Djokovic at the end of his Roland Garros match against Aleksandar Kovacevic, his statements at the post-match press conference and his Instagram post are regrettable,” President Hadergjonaj said, as relayed by Fox News Digital.

Source : https://www.outkick.com/novak-djokovic-accused-of-stoking-political-fires-at-french-open

Exit mobile version