New York (AP) Novak Djokovic remembers how close Serena Williams was to the calendar year’s Grand Slam in 2015 before the US Open was short.
He recalls chatting with Williams during the tournament about everything that accompanies bidding on unusual achievements achieved only by two men and three women in the history of sports dating back to the late 1800s. increase.
After winning the Australian Open, France Open and Wimbledon, Williams was upset by Roberta Vinci’s semifinals at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic is now one step closer, playing against Daniil Medvedev for the US Open final on Sunday, 28-0 in the Grand Slam tournament, and another win to win all four trophies in one season. Is required.
No one has done it since Rod Laver did it for the second time in 1969. No woman has been there since Steffi Graf in 1988.
As the end line approached six years ago, Williams didn’t like to talk about being at stake and described himself as “sick” of the constant questions about a true Grand Slam. ..
She was very emotional about everything that was happening. I can relate to what she is experiencing now. I understand that now, “said Djokovic, 34, from Serbia. After all, you have to go to court and deliver, so I understand why she wanted to avoid all the questions about it. You are always expected to win. “
Like Williams, Djokovic has recently tried to limit his debate about what he is trying to do.
“We’ll give you everything you might have on your tank to win this match. I’m focusing on recovery and basically readjusting all the systems on Sunday.” Said. In the semi-finals. “I’m not going to waste time or energy just to distract and deprive me of the vitality I need.”
In addition to the quest to go 4 to 4 in the Slams, No. 1 Djokovic has another milestone in his view.
If he defeats second-placed Medvedev in the 21st Career Major Championship, Djokovic will surpass the men’s record currently shared with rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The fourth title on the Flushing Meadows hard court was added to the ninth on the Melbourne Park hard court in February, the second on the Roland Garros clay in June, and the sixth on the Wimbledon lawn in July. Will be done.
This is Djokovic’s record 31st Grand Slam final and the ninth record at the US Open.
“Looking at the statistics, looking at the pure game of tennis action, he’s the best ever,” Zverev said. “No one is with him because (he) will be number one in the world most weeks, most Masters 1000 titles, and probably the most Grand Slam. And he will be in the same year. You have a chance to win all four. How do you compete with it? “
How is Djokovic preparing to be in his best condition in all of his fight against Medvedev?
“We want to talk about history. I know it’s online. I know it. Of course I know it. But I myself I’m just trying to stick to what I know will work, “Djokovic said. I have my own routine. I have my people. I isolate myself. Collect all the energy needed for the next battle, the next game, and the next game only. “
He says that tunnel vision is essential to him.
His mental strength may be his greatest attribute.
“He plays the best tennis when he needs it, but many players don’t,” said Zverev, a gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics and second-place winner of the 2020 US Open.
“Mentally, he’s the best player I’ve ever played in the game,” added the 24-year-old German. “Mentally, at the most important moment, I would rather play against someone other than him.”
Djokovic, of course, loves its reputation.
He built his reputation by overcoming it at the most important times, no matter what deficit he had to deal with. With Djokovic’s defeat of Zverev, his career went to 36-10 with five setters, winning four times in a row after dropping the opening set. This is the 10th Grand Slam match this year.
Players know that I have a spirit that never dies, especially when I play Grand Slam. They know that things can turn around until the last shot. This has been the case several times throughout my career, “Djokovic said. So I’m glad my opponent thinks of me that way. I want you to feel that you are under extreme pressure. “
Now it’s Medvedev’s turn to deal with it in the fourth 1st vs. 2nd final in New York over the last 25 years. All Djokovic is involved.
The match is set up like a bookend. It was Medvedev who lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open final seven months ago.
If Medvedev wins, he knows he’ll probably be somewhere in a history book to keep him from doing this. But I don’t really care about it. I think it’s him that affects him, “said a 25-year-old Russian seeking his first major trophy.
“From one side, he certainly will feel a little pressure on it,” Medvedev said. “From the other side, that would make him even better in difficult moments.”
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Other AP Tennis: https: //apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports
Bid on Djokovic’s History at the US Open: Slum Year, 21st Major | WGN Radio 720
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