'Novak Djokovic was the coolest ever', says top hockey player

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have a huge following of fans around the world. Their extraordinary skill on the court and their successes have helped to increase the popularity of tennis exponentially even outside the small circle of fans and professionals. The story in question concerns Nike Lorenz, a field hockey player who represented Germany at the Rio Olympics in 2016. In a recent article written for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the German recalled her joy at having had the chance to meet Djokovic during her stay at the Olympic Village in 2016. Among the stars Lorenz would have liked to meet in that edition of the Games, there was the World number 1 and 17-time Grand Slam champion. Her wish was granted without too much effort, as she told in the article.

Lorenz on Novak Djokovic

“Of course, we had discussed beforehand who we really hoped to meet among the big stars of the sports world. Novak Djokovic was high on my list,” Nike Lorenz wrote. “Just when I thought I could leave the tourist mode and become an ambitious athlete again, we met Djokovic during his evening regeneration run," Lorenz continued. "My teammates stared at me expectantly: Why isn’t she going? For the first time in my life, I was completely petrified" - she added. “Fortunately, one of my friends reacted quickly and ran after Djokovic to ask for a photo. He was (of course) the coolest ever, answered her in German and came jogging happily towards us with her. Since I still couldn’t move, everyone including Djokovic, had to position themselves around me. I still don’t know how, but in the photo I have a big grin on my face" - Lorenz concluded. That edition of the Olympics was not very lucky for the Serbian champion, who started with the ranks of favorite number 1. Nole found himself having to face Juan Martin del Potro in the first round, a difficult opponent and aware of having nothing to lose. The Argentine produced a masterful performance which forced Djokovic to surrender, who left the pitch in tears after one of the most painful defeats of his entire career. The Belgrade veteran will try to make up for it in Tokyo next year, Coronavirus permitting. Djokovic was widely criticised for his part in the Adria Tour’s lack of social distancing safeguarding, and that turned into a torrent of anger towards him when there was a coronavirus outbreak at the event. The Serb, his wife, and his coach Goran Ivanisevic were among those to test positive, with the event immediately cancelled as a result.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3ahN7Li