On February 21, 2021, Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev to claim the Australian Open for a record ninth time. By clinching the French Open in June and the Wimbledon in July, Djokovic not only equalled the record shared by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for most men’s singles Grand Slam titles (20), but he was in with a chance of completing a rare Golden Slam of winning all four Grand Slams and the Olympics gold.
Djokovic’s dream of completing the Golden Slam was derailed at Tokyo in July when he lost the semi-final against eventual gold medallist Alexander Zverev. Djokovic, in fact, finished without a medal as he lost the bronze-medal play-off as well. Djokovic fell at the final hurdle when it came to the Calendar Slam, as he lost the US Open final against Medvedev in September.
Medvedev, who also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he targets a maiden Grand Slam title.
Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against top-10 players and he has won three of his last four against the 17-time Grand Slam-winning Serb.
“Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge experience,” he said.
“(But) I think when he’s in the zone he doesn’t miss. He goes down the line, cross, forehand, backhand, he doesn’t miss. That’s what is the toughest part of playing against him.”
Picture Credit : Google
Leave a Reply