“I Have Developed a Thick Skin”: Novak Djokovic Responds to Perturbations From the Outside World

World No.1 Novak Djokovic suffered a humiliating defeat in the French Open 2020 final. Rafael Nadal thrashed Djokovic in straights sets, handing Novak a bagel in the opening set. It was the first time Djokovic got bageled in a Grand slam final. Rafael Nadal caught him completely off-guard and outplayed him in all aspects of the game.

Despite all the talk about the conditions being unfavorable for Nadal, the Spaniard won a record-breaking 13th title at Roland Garros. He lifted his 20th Grand Slam title, putting him at par with Roger Federer in the Grand Slam race. Nadal’s victory further intensifies the debate around the ‘Greatest Male Player of All Time’ and has pushed him right at the top.

However, Djokovic is the youngest of the three and will probably play for a couple of years on the tour. The reigning Australian Open champion could not increase his Grand Slam tally to 18 and was defeated for the first time this year, other than his disqualification from the US Open.

During the post-match conference, a journalist asked Djokovic whether it was too late for him to catch up with Federer and Nadal in terms of Grand Slam titles.

“If I thought that it was too late, I would have ended my career today. But I do not think it is too late, I will keep on going as long as I have fuel in my legs and love and desire towards the sport. One defeat, even though it is in a Grand Slam final, cannot destabilize me,” said Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic unperturbed by speculations

Djokovic talked about developing a thick skin and revealed that his professional goals haven’t changed. The 17-time Grand Slam champion has frequently expressed his goal of winning the most Grand Slam titles and spending the most number of weeks at No.1 ranking.

“I have developed a rather “thick skin”, I do not allow myself to be disturbed by various speculations. My desire is still huge, I love and enjoy this game. My professional goals stay the same — historic number one ranking and Grand Slam titles.” remarked Djokovic.

The Serbian is likely to dethrone Federer to achieve his goal of spending the most weeks at No.1 by March next year. He will now look forward to the 2021 Australian Open and aim to win it for a record 9th time.