
via Getty
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his quarter finals match against Lorenzo Sonego of Italy on day seven of the Erste Bank Open tennis tournament at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)

via Getty
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his quarter finals match against Lorenzo Sonego of Italy on day seven of the Erste Bank Open tennis tournament at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
One might suggest that World No. 1 Novak Djokovic achieved everything he aimed for in the 2020 season. But in addition to his spectacular year, the mental side of the 33-year-old also came to the surface. Recently, Mikhail Youzhny, coach of Denis Shapovalov, shed some light on the Serbian’s psychological state.
Djokovic completed the season, recording an incredible 41 wins over only 5 losses. Out of the 5, his biggest loss came at the 2020 US Open when he got defaulted from the tournament. The Serbian had accidentally hit a lines person in the throat and, as a result, paid the price.

via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 06: Novak Djokovic of Serbia tends to a line judge Laura Clark who was hit with the ball during his Men’s Singles fourth round match against Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain on Day Seven of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 6, 2020, in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Notably, the tournament had taken place after the restart from the coronavirus outbreak. Before the break, the Serbian had claimed his 17 Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. However, something ticked off for Djokovic as the season resumed, noted the former Russian No. 1 Youzhny.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Novak Djokovic suffered an emotional blow in the Roland-Garros finals

via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND -: Alexander Zverev of Germany and Novak Djokovic of Serbia cross paths after the first set during their singles final during Day Eight of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Since the restart, the Serbian ace had his eye focused on ending the season as World No. 1. In doing so, he also equalled American Pete Sampras’ record of a 6-time year-end top player. But despite his records, the tennis world witnessed a loose cannon going off on tennis courts.
“If you look closely at his psychological state, though he later won the Masters in Rome, but how much emotion it cost him… Or the same Roland Garros final. So, if you dig, then without a trace all this for the emotional state did not pass,” said Mikhail.
(All quotes have been translated via Google Translate)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Russian also highlighted the situation where Djokovic fought with the umpire in the first set of Rome Masters. Losing heavily against arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the finals of the French Open added fuel to the fire.
Therefore, Djokovic participated in Vienna and skipped Paris Masters to secure his rank. Interestingly, the Serbian sealed the deal in the first two matches and gave away next match to lucky-loser Lorenzo Sonego. “This also says a lot – how hard it all is it was given to him. He just didn’t play this match anymore,” concluded the Russian.
Read More: “Unnecessary”: Vienna Open Tournament Director Disappointed with Novak Djokovic’s Statements
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nonetheless, the Serbian is ready to start fresh next season and defend his title once more in Australia. Before that, he will defend the ATP Cup along with his Serbian teammates. Hopefully, in the next season, fans will get to see the cheerful and mischievous Djoko again.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic Upstages Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem as Europe’s Best Sportsperson in Tennis
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT