There is no denying that Novak Djokovic is a formidable force who has outclassed some of the biggest names on the men’s tour. Even the American tennis veteran Andy Roddick agrees with the same, as he previously used an interesting way to describe how it feels to play against the 24-time singles Grand Slam champion. “First he takes your legs, then he takes your soul,” said the former tennis ace.
Interestingly, Roddick’s bold assertions were somewhat justified when the Serb played against Daniil Medvedev at this season’s US Open. The Russian tennis player’s coach, Gilles Cervara, recently opened up about how the ‘Djoker’ took Medvedev’s soul in the championship match in New York.
Daniil Medvedev’s coach on how it feels to play against Novak Djokovic
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the US Open final, the 36-year-old outperformed Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, as he added his record 24th Grand Slam title to his trophy haul. While reminiscing about the Russian tennis player’s defeat in a three-set match, Gilles Cervara was recently asked what went wrong for Medvedev during the championship match against Djokovic.
In a recent interview with Championat, the French coach asserted that Medvedev dropping the second set turned out to be a pivotal moment in the epic encounter. Cervara further stated that it also “broke” the former US Open champion, as he later looked exhausted on the court.
“The second set was key. Defeat broke Danya, he lost energy, felt that he had lost his chances. From the very beginning of the match until 3:3 in the second set, Daniil’s quality of shots suffered, something was missing,” the 42-year-old coach said.
Daniil Medvedev on Novak Djokovic:
“I find it amazing that I beat Novak in a Grand Slam Final. At this point, I’d say that’s the pinnacle of my career.. at the same time, if he & Rafa didn’t exist.. well that’s not possible. I played 5 finals against them & only won 1.. he… pic.twitter.com/iNAlaSpZ9Z
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 11, 2023
Cervara went on to say that one has to be ‘even better than the best version of themselves’ in order to defeat the Serbian tennis great. Meanwhile, the Frenchman also highlighted how Medvedev had some brilliant opportunities to turn the match in his favor.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Cervara pointed out Medvedev’s mistakes in the US Open final
During the interview, the 42-year-old coach asserted that Medvedev had two great choices to win the second set when he had a set point on his Serb opponent’s serve. Cervara stated, “He had two choices, Medvedev chose the wrong shot that brought him the set, but it happens, it was his choice in the game.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Why did he choose the cross and not the dribble? He thought that there was an open part of the court, that Novak would not have time to block it. Maybe someone else would not have had time, but this is Djokovic,” the French coach went on to say as he asserted that the Russian player chose some wrong shots that were easily blocked by Djokovic.
Watch this story – ‘Why Is His Brother Taking a Video..Sweet Home Alabama?’ – Tennis Fans React Hilariously to Unearthed Novak Djokovic Underwear Photo