'Djokovic is obsessed with Roger Federer and Nadal's records', says former Top 10

2020 was undoubtedly the most difficult year of Novak Djokovic's career. The World number 1, who was already in the eye of the storm for the Adria Tour, was disqualified from the 2020 US Open for accidentally hitting a line judge during his round of 16 match against Pablo Carreno Busta. The 17-time Grand Slam champion, a big favorite for the title at Flushing Meadows due to the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, has received a heavy fine from the USTA for both unsportsmanlike behavior and his decision not to attend the press conference. In a recent interview granted to CNN, his friend and former coach Radek Stepanek expressed his support for Nole, while acknowledging the correctness of the penalty imposed on the Belgrade veteran. The Czech believes Djokovic is very heartbroken at the moment, having paid dearly for a completely unintended gesture.

Stepanek on Novak Djokovic

“I know Novak Djokovic is very sad inside himself and he is in pain," Radek Stepanek said. "He is in pain because it was unintentional and, in that moment, the pain is bigger. And it's hard for him because we know how hungry he is to become the player with the most Grand Slams," Stepanek added. "I believe he felt -- everyone felt -- this one should be for him, reachable. All these circumstances make it very sad for him and in the first moment, empty, because I believe he himself knew that it was wrong that she got hit. Obviously the pressure on him and the criticism he is getting over time, it's hard," the Czech continued. "He's trying to do the best he can. He might be by the end of his career the greatest of all time. We are all human beings. We have a right to make a mistake. I think he's going to go back to his family and the closest ones to feel in the safe environment," said Stepanek. "Be with his loved ones. I think that one of his biggest strengths is his mental power. No matter how sad and empty he is right now -- and from what I know, it is very deep because he is a deep feeling person and he is sensitive -- he is also hard on himself right now. I think the thing that gets him out of this will be getting back to work," Radek Stepanek concluded.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2ZohprI