Novak Djokovic: 'Rio was a very tough loss for me because...'

In addition to the Golden Slam and Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic has reached 20 Slam titles to the great rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, even earlier than the most optimistic forecasts, and in Flushing Meadows he has the great opportunity to overcome them. Djokovic has overtaken Federer as regards the record of total weeks at the top of the ATP rankings and is improving this record week after week. With the semi-final victory in Paris against the king of clay court Rafael Nadal, the Serbian champion has shown that he is now at the top on all three surfaces and there are very few tennis players who can at least think they can beat him. Nole's numbers on the circuit are frightening, the Serbian has repositioned the GOAT concept by destroying all of Federer and Nadal's records and with the victory in Paris this year he is the first player of the Open era to have won at least twice all of them and four Grand Slam events and consequently on three different surfaces. He is the third in history after Roy Emerson and Rod Laver. Novak Djokovic's numbers grow every week and with 30 finals played and 20 Slams won, Nole can only increase his records and permanently detach Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal by stopping his detractors.

Djokovic on the topic of athletes’ mental health

With the topic of athletes’ mental health and pressure being discussed at the Olympics, Novak Djokovic said “pressure is a privilege.” “Pressure is a privilege, my friend,” Djokovic said in answer to a reporter's question after winning both of his matches at the Ariake Tennis Park on Wednesday, beating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain to reach the quarterfinals in singles then teaming with partner Nina Stojanovic for another victory in the opening round of mixed doubles. “Without pressure there is no professional sport,” Djokovic added. “If you are aiming to be at the top of the game you better start learning how to deal with pressure and how to cope with those moments — on the court but also off the court. Rio was (a) very tough loss for me,” Djokovic said. “I came into Rio as also a big favorite, winning four out of last five Grand Slams, No. 1 in the world. So I know that feeling; it’s kind of a similar feeling now. But I’m a more experienced player; I know mentally what I need to do and how to work things around on and off the court in order to feel the best that I possible can feel.”

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