Martina Navratilova has little question that the Tokyo Olympics “value” Novak Djokovic of finishing a Calendar Grand Slam in 2021 as the previous 18-time Slam champion explains that having one extra main event throughout the summer time comes with a excessive value on the psychological and bodily half.
When you keep in mind properly, Djokovic began the 2021 season by profitable the primary three Grand Slams and he entered the delayed Tokyo Olympics as the massive favourite for the title. However though Djokovic made an excellent begin to the Olympics that 12 months, every little thing fell aside for the Serb throughout the semifinal match in opposition to Alexander Zverev, through which he had one among his largest collapses ever.
A month and a half later, Djokovic managed to achieve the US Open remaining however ended up shedding it in three units to Daniil Medvedev after wanting just about unrecognizable together with his sport all through the ultimate.
Had Djokovic gained that match, he would have turn into the primary participant since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all 4 Slams in the identical 12 months. After the now 37-year-old Serb failed to realize the gorgeous feat, many blamed fatigue and exhaustion on his efficiency within the 2021 US Open remaining.
Navratilova on Djokovic’s failing to finish a Calendar Grand Slam in 2021
Since this 12 months’s Paris Olympics will likely be performed on clay, which means Djokovic will go from Wimbledon’s grass to Roland Garros’ clay courts. And after the Olympics, Djokovic will go to laborious courts and begin getting ready for the US Open.
Navratilova, one of many biggest gamers in tennis historical past, tried to interrupt down how demanding and difficult these fast turnarounds might be.
“Effectively, it’s simpler to return on clay, which you simply performed on a number of weeks in the past, than to go on the laborious courts. That’s when the physique begins giving in, as a result of the laborious courts are a lot more durable on the physique,” Navratilova defined on Tennis Channel.
“So I feel surface-wise, I don’t assume the gamers can have a difficulty with it. It’s simply the emotional and bodily toll of enjoying an additional huge occasion in the midst of the summer time.
“Mainly two weeks after Wimbledon is over, Olympics begin and the highest gamers who’ve performed right here (Wimbledon), actually have gotten such a brief turnaround and then you definately’re there. And it’s emotionally exhausting and bodily exhausting. After which they go on the laborious courts.
“I feel they’ll be actually, you understand, tongues hanging out on the US Open. I feel they’ll be okay for the Olympics, however how a lot power do you will have? I feel it value Novak Djokovic the Grand Slam three years in the past and now they’re doing it once more. It’s going to be powerful. Greater than the floor, it’s simply the emotional and psychological stuff that will get you down.”
Do you keep in mind what Djokovic stated after the 2021 US Open remaining loss?
Following a straight-set defeat to Medvedev, Djokovic stated the Russian “actually deserved” to win the match but in addition admitted that he felt he “was not energetic” as in another finals he performed that 12 months. Then, Djokovic admitted that he was bodily and mentally exhausted.
“I had extra hours on the courtroom spent from Daniil, that is for positive. However was additionally emotionally very demanding interval for me within the final 5, six months. Slams and Olympics and enjoying at dwelling in Belgrade. Every little thing was coming collectively for me right here and type of accumulating all of the feelings that I have been by means of,” Djokovic stated after the ultimate.
“Sadly I did not make it within the remaining step. However while you draw a line, it’s important to be very happy with the 12 months. Three wins, three slams and a remaining.”
Since Djokovic was on the verge of attaining one thing that hadn’t been performed in over 50 years, naturally there was lots of consideration on it and strain on the Serb.
“Aid. I used to be glad it was over as a result of the buildup for this event and every little thing that mentally, emotionally I needed to take care of all through the event within the final couple of weeks was only a lot. It was lots to deal with,” Djokovic stated when requested how he felt that the Calendar Grand Slam talks lastly got here to an finish.
“I used to be simply glad that lastly the run is over. On the similar time I felt disappointment, disappointment, and likewise gratitude for the group and for that particular second that they’ve created for me on the courtroom.”
In the meantime, Djokovic is now getting ready for the Paris Olympics, the place he’s hoping to win his first gold medal.