“Can be Destructive”: Patrick Mouratoglou on Novak Djokovic’s Overconfidence for his 21st Grand Slam at US Open 2021

The date is set and the courts are ready. All eyes now turn to Novak Djokovic’s return to tennis at the US Open 2021. Novak gears up to create history, competing for the once deemed impossible Calendar Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic is hailed as one of the best to have ever graced this beautiful game. A stellar talent, riding on the back of exceeding passion and unafraid to show it, he is everything the sport stands for. As one third of the ‘big 3’, he has dominated almost every tennis conversation for over a decade now. However, his most recent chat ahead of his appearance in New York certainly raised a few eyebrows.

Reacting to a ‘confident’ admission from the ‘G.O.A.T’, legendary coach Patrick Mouratoglou has offered his two cents.

Is this Novak Djokovic’s confidence or arrogance?

Patrick Mouratoglou is best known for his mentorship to Serena Williams. Having tasted an endless amount of glory alongside her, safe to say, he knows a thing or two about the game. He recently expressed his thoughts over Novak Djokovic’s comments ahead of his Calendar Grand Slam hunt.

When asked about his feeling over the possibility of achieving the mind-blowing feat, Novak backed himself with exuberant confidence. Commenting on the same, Patrick said, “Watch out the thin line between confidence and over confidence. Confidence is constructive, but over confidence can be destructive.”

Despite not needing any explanation, fans backed Novak’s comments by pinning it on his humor. Regardless, his self-motivating technique was noteworthy, as he lays his eyes on a shot at making history.

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History in the making

Novak Djokovic’s 2021 season has been remarkable, to say the least. Victorious at both Sydney and Paris, he even emerged triumphant at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. Notably, walking into the US Open, he rides high on confidence, lining up for his 21st Grand Slam title. However, even for someone with the likes of the legend, the road to glory is tough as it gets.

In his quest for a Calendar Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic could be in for a Wimbledon rematch, facing Matteo Berrettini. However, provided he makes it past the Italian, he sets up to draw revenge against Alexander Zverev. Only recently, the German youngster took the world by surprise, depriving Djokovic of a shot at gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

With the wounds from Japan still fresh, can Novak use his profound form to its utmost best? Or will his alleged over-confidence washout a chance of etching his name in the history books of the game?

Read more: “Cannot Underestimate Her”: Martina Navratilova Optimistic of Naomi Osaka As She Looks To Bounce Back at US Open 2021