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Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner: High-Stakes French Open Semifinal Showdown

June 6, 2025, 4:44 pm

Novak Djokovic gets ready for a clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the French Open semifinals on Friday, but the schedule is still open for a blockbuster clash of generational titans. The head-to-head is tight 4-4, but it’s Jannik Sinner who comes into the game with the wind in his sails as the Italian has recently won their last three encounters on hardcourts in under a year.

Now 38, Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has matches like this that light up his trademark mental warfare — the area where he is the most successful. He said, “These kinds of matchups draw the best of me. Playing best-of-five in the later stages of a Slam, against the world No. 1, is the greatest motivation I could ask for at this age.”

Jannik Sinner Attracts Media Attention

At 23, Jannik Sinner is a rising tennis star who has attracted the media attention of the best and worst kind. Here and there, the actions of him and his team after the return from the ban period imposed for the doping with Clostebol (a banned steroid) have caused discussions in the tennis community.

On the one hand, some players have supported Jannik Sinner, on the other, those players, among whom Novak Djokovic is, feel strongly about the unjust treatment of top players and the fairness of the rule. “It seems that if you are a top player, you can almost influence the result,” Djokovic said at the beginning of this year.

Jannik Sinner In Top Form

Jannik Sinner’s performance on the court has been amazing. The Italian has exhibited such firmness in mind and body, qualities that are usually attributed to Novak Djokovic. The Serb, though, emerges in Paris full of confidence after a victory in Geneva and triumphs over top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in rounds of play. “Sinner recognised that he had proven he was back to his best level,” Sinner said. “It will be a tactical match and very hard.”

In the other half of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz, who is the reigning champion, meets Lorenzo Musetti, who is also from Spain. Alcaraz is most of the time victorious in their head-to-head contest as he leads 5-1 and has won the last 5 meetings with Musetti, with 4 on the clay court.

Djokovic Cruises Into French Open Third Round, Sinner Ends Gasquet’s Career

May 30, 2025, 8:07 am

Novak Djokovic moved into the third round of the French Open with a straight-set win over Corentin Moutet on Thursday. The Serbian star, chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, won 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) in a match lasting just over three hours.

Moutet’s Fight, Djokovic’s Class

Although Moutet challenged Djokovic with impressive drop shots, his effort wasn’t enough to overcome the Serbian’s experience and skill. Djokovic played at a high level, following his recent win at the Geneva Open, where he claimed his 100th ATP title.

Djokovic Reflects on the Match

After the victory, Djokovic reflected on the match, saying, “Mentally I had to stay concentrated and prepared for a match like that. Corentin is a player who has great speed, it was a great battle, especially the third set. I saved a set point… At that moment, anything is possible. I found a shot to stay in the set, a good service. I think in general I played well, I managed to stay calm on court, which was not easy at times.”

Sinner Shuts the Door on Gasquet’s Career

In other news, world number one Jannik Sinner defeated Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-0, 6-4, bringing an end to the 38-year-old’s career at the French Open. Gasquet, playing in his 22nd French Open, was eliminated after just under two hours of play.

Sinner Extends Grand Slam Streak

For Sinner, the win marked his 16th consecutive Grand Slam victory. He became the first man born after 1990 to achieve this remarkable feat.

Rafael Nadal Comeback Could Shake Up Federer-Djokovic Legacy Battle

May 29, 2025, 12:13 am

Rafael Nadal might have confessed that he hasn’t touched the racquet since last November, when he officially retired from professional tennis, but a return is on the cards for the Spaniard as there is speculation that he will return to the courts to put a new spin on his long-running bout with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Toni Nadal Sparks Speculation of Exhibition Matches

It was Rafa’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal who intimated that the 38-year-old might soon be witnessed in action playing exhibition matches against Federer and even Djokovic, who recently asserted before the beginning of the French Open that his career also is nearing its end.

“I imagine he’d like to do some exhibitions with Federer soon, to give back a little of everything tennis has given him and what tennis has meant to him,” Toni told CLAY and RG Media. “It would be very special for people to see the three of them playing again. And yes, I think they’ll have to do something, because I suppose people will be motivated to see them play later on.”

Toni Nadal Reflects on Rafa’s Passion for the Game

Even while conceding that it was not Rafa himself who suggested playing exhibition matches, but that Toni spelt out the reason why it was a strong possibility.

“I think I’ve been close enough to him to know him a little and know that he would be excited to play with Federer. Tennis has been a big part of his life, it’s meant a big part to him, and you don’t just erase it from one day to the next.

Icons of the Golden Era Unite at Nadal’s Farewell

Federer and Djokovic, who established a two-decade-old rivalry with Nadal, one that characterized the golden age in men’s tennis, were among those in attendance in Paris on Sunday for the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell ceremony at the Court Philippe Chatrier. Andy Murray, with whom they made up the Big Four, was also in attendance.

Toni reckoned 2026 could be the year for Nadal’s return to the court, despite his nephew expecting the birth of his second child this year, and that he had given up on tennis because of his body. “After these months away from the courts, I think at some point he’ll want to get back to training and feel like he’s playing the ball well. I’m convinced that soon, quite soon, he’ll be back playing,” he added.

Tribute at Italian Open in the Works

A source from the Italian Tennis Federation (ITF) told CLAY that the organisers of the Italian Open are planning a tribute ceremony for Nadal next year. He had won the Rome Masters 10 times in his career. “In 2024, Nadal knew there was a tribute planned, but he didn’t want to do it. In 2026, it would be logical for us to pay tribute to him, and it’s clear that Paris has raised the bar significantly. The most important thing will be to do something he likes.”

Novak Djokovic Eyes 100th ATP Title Ahead of Geneva Open Final Against Hurkacz

May 24, 2025, 4:04 pm

After defeating Cameron Norrie in the semi-final of the Geneva Open, Novak Djokovic could see himself reach a 100 ATP titles, with a win on Saturday against Hubert Hurkacz. After a dominating three-set victory against Norrie, the Serbian could see himself reach the rank of legends like Jimmy Conors and Roger Federer with 100 ATP titles.

A Semi-Final To Remember

“It was the toughest match of the tournament for me so far, three sets, the second set, he was a break up, and I managed to come back to the tie-break, a match point, I got a little bit tight there. But I’m really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament.” Djokovic said in a post-match interview, as the legend had a dicey performance in the second set. Djokovic trailed 5-2 in the second set, he mounted a comeback to push it to a tie-break, where he had a match point but failed to convert, allowing Norrie to take the set and force a decider. A fascinating fact, Djokovic has won more slams than Norrie has played in. Fans are betting on a Djokovic win as his serve looks ever so perfect, with Hurkacz not being an excellent returner either.

All Eyes on Novak Djokovic

In preparation for the French Open, where Novak could claim his fourth Roland-Garros title, Djokovic looks well conditioned as he approaches the final of the Geneva Open after losing his first matches on clay this season, it’s also his first tournament since the Paris Olympics which the Serbian also won.

Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first final since losing to Jannik Sinner in Halle last June, will now have a tough battle against the odds versus Novak Djokovic, who surely has his eyes set on the French Open to reach a 25th Grand Slam, he is currently tied with Margaret Court who also has 24 singles Grand Slam titles.

Novak Djokovic Falls Short of 100th Title as Jakub Menšík Triumphs

March 31, 2025, 12:08 pm

Czech teenager Jakub Menšík defeated his boyhood hero Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in a comeback for the ages to win his maiden ATP title at the Miami Open as he spoiled the former world number one’s quest for a record-breaking 100th.

Menšík’s Powerful Serve Seals the Victory

The 54th-ranked Menšík was in for an uphill battle in just his second ATP final but used his most potent weapon to overpower the 24-time Grand Slam champion with 14 aces and burst into tears and collapsed on court, overwhelmed by emotion, when he clinched it with an unreturnable serve.

Novak Djokovic Falls Short of 100th Career Title

At 37, the oldest to appear in a Masters 1000 final, Novak Djokovic had hoped to join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only three Open Era men with 100 or more titles, but ran out of gas in the end.

“When I was young I started to play tennis because of you,” Menšík said to his opponent at the trophy ceremony. “There is no harder task for a tennis player than to beat you in the finals of a tournament.”

Struggles on Court for Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic emerged on the court following hours of rain interruptions with puffiness around his right eye and looked off-balance as he gave Menšík a break with an uncoordinated out-of-bounds shot in the second game.

He slipped and fell in the fifth game, taking his time to stand up from the court again as his legion of faithful supporters in Hard Rock Stadium cheered him on, and used eye drops on his affected eye during the break.

Menšík’s Composure in the First Set

The Serb equalized in the seventh but seethed with anger as Menšík took a 5-0 lead in the tiebreak, seething at his box, where Andy Murray his former rival-turned-coach—sat impassive.

The Czech kept his cool, however, and pumped his fist in triumph as he closed out the set with an overhead smash.

A Thrilling Second Set Battle

The two fought toe-to-toe in a heart-stopping second set, with Menšík employing his quickness to his benefit to nullify Novak Djokovic’s excellent drop shots at the net.

Novak Djokovic employed the veteran’s survival reflexes when he survived two break points in the fifth game but increasingly evidenced the fatigue of the match before crumbling from exhaustion following a 21-shot rally in the tiebreak.

Novak Djokovic Acknowledges Menšík’s Brilliance

“It hurts me to admit it but you were better,” said Novak Djokovic, who had previously invited Menšík to train with him after the then-16-year-old reached the Australian Open juniors final in 2022. “In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods.”

Menšík’s Dream Run at the Miami Open

The win capped a dream run through the tournament for Menšík, who upset third seed Taylor Fritz en route to the final, “To be honest, I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” he said.

The win was made even sweeter as Menšík revealed he almost withdrew from the tournament an hour before his opening match because of knee trouble and credited his physio with keeping his dreams alive.

“I came for treatment, needed a miracle,” said Menšík. “And because of him I stepped on the court and because of him I’m standing here.”

Novak Djokovic Eyes Indian Wells Comeback With Andy Murray’s Guidance

March 7, 2025, 6:08 pm

Novak Djokovic, with former rival Andy Murray in his coaching corner, is optimistic about making a deep run at the Indian Wells ATP Masters. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is determined to revive his 2025 season after a disappointing start. Seeded sixth in a strong field led by world number two Alexander Zverev and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic believes he has done the necessary preparation to compete at the highest level.

Novak Djokovic Seeks Sixth Indian Wells Crown

Having already won five Indian Wells titles, Novak Djokovic is level with Roger Federer for the most titles in the tournament’s history. His first title was in 2008, and his latest in 2016 when he completed a three-year run of consecutive victories. With almost a decade having passed since his last Indian Wells title, Djokovic is keen to leave his stamp again.

“I certainly look to go deep in the tournament,” Djokovic stated. “I’ve done, I think, the right things to prepare. I’ve played some great tennis the past few days. So we’ll see. Let’s see how far I go.”

A New Beginning with Andy Murray

The signing of Andy Murray by Djokovic in November surprised a number of people following their famous on-court rivalry. A three-time Grand Slam and former world number one player, Murray used to be one of the members of the ‘Big Four’ in Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal’s ranks. Now the two of them are going about learning how to have a working relationship.

“I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy,” said Novak Djokovic. “I still feel like we are going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years.”

Murray’s presence was already being felt at the Australian Open, where Djokovic had some of his finest tennis in recent times. Even though he withdrew in the semi-finals with injury, he is still optimistic about their collaboration.

“It was unfortunate to finish the tournament the way I did it, but it was an injury issue,” Djokovic remarked. “In terms of the game, I think I played maybe the best tennis that I played in quite some time, since the Olympics, actually. So I definitely attribute that to the work I had with Andy.”

Building Chemistry During the ‘Sunshine Double’

Djokovic and Murray will continue to work together at least until the clay-court season, but Djokovic also expects things to happen right away on hard courts at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

“It’s also because other than slams, (there are) few tournaments that really give me inspiration when I wake up in the morning and think about where I want to do well,” Djokovic said. “Indian Wells and Miami are definitely at the top of that list. I’m excited to be here with Andy on board.”

With his eyes firmly fixed on reclaiming his reign, Djokovic is set to give his best possible performance in Indian Wells and beyond.

Novak Djokovic Shockingly Retires from Australian Open Semifinal After First Set, Gives Thumbs Up to Booing Crowd | Watch

January 24, 2025, 1:11 pm

In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic withdrew from his Australian Open 2025 semifinal against Alexander Zverev on Friday after losing the first set 6(5)-7(7), citing injury. Djokovic had been visibly in discomfort during his quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz, sparking speculation that he might have been exaggerating his pain to throw off his opponent. The Serbian had also canceled his practice sessions before the semifinal and is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury. He had a last-minute practice session with Andy Murray just 90 minutes before the match to assess his condition.

Though Djokovic initially appeared to be fit enough to compete in the semi-final, his movement was clearly restricted during the first set, leading him to end points quickly to minimize running. Ultimately, Djokovic retired after the first set, leaving both Zverev and the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena in shock and disbelief.

Novak Djokovic says goodbye to Rod Laver Arena after retiring from the semifinal against Zverev at Australian Open.

Some of the crowd was booing him.

Novak puts his thumbs up.

pic.twitter.com/Cc17GT82fb

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 24, 2025

As the crowd began to boo Djokovic, the Serbian responded with a thumbs-up as he walked off the court. The injury, which he sustained to his left leg during his match with Alcaraz, appeared genuine. Zverev, during his post-match interview, urged fans to show respect for Djokovic, asking them not to boo a legend like him.

Zverev, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, will now face the winner of the match between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton in the final. The men’s final is scheduled for Sunday, while the women’s final, featuring World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys, will take place on Saturday. Sabalenka will aim to become the first woman since 1999 to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.

Djokovic Reaches Semi-Finals, But It’s His Daughter Tara’s Reaction That Wins Fans’ Hearts

January 22, 2025, 1:12 pm

Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2025, but a touching family moment quickly became the talk of the event. After his match, he interrupted his post-match interview to ask his kids why they were still awake at 1 a.m. His daughter Tara’s playful reaction made everyone smile.

Heartwarming Family Interaction

The Australian Open shared the adorable moment on Instagram, calling it “priceless.” In the video, Djokovic listens to the interviewer but appears distracted. He then says, “I heard your question… but I’m surprised my kids are still here.” He continues, “It’s 1:00 a.m. When are you going to sleep tonight?”

Tara’s Playful Response

In response to her dad, Tara points to her wrist and taps it, mimicking the motion of checking a watch. The crowd reacts with laughter at her charming gesture.

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A post shared by Australian Open (@australianopen)

Fans Love the Moment

Naturally, fans flooded social media with praise. One fan remarked, “The way his daughter taps her watch.” Others shared their admiration, calling Djokovic “the greatest of all time” and expressing how much they “enjoy watching his interviews.”

Family Support at the Match

Djokovic’s victory against Carlos Alcaraz was impressive, but the love and support from his family made the moment even more special. His wife, Jelena, and their children, Stefan and Tara, were right there cheering him on during the match.

Novak Djokovic Accuses Melbourne Authorities of Poisoning, Claims Food Contamination Before Deportation in 2022

January 10, 2025, 11:19 am

Novak Djokovic has made a startling claim about being poisoned with “lead and mercury” during his stay in Melbourne. This occurred before he was deported from Australia for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.

As Djokovic prepares to compete for an 11th Australian Open title, he is also aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and 100 ATP Tour-level titles. While his experiences in Australia have been memorable, they also include some darker moments.

Deported Due to Vaccine Stance

Previously, Djokovic had openly opposed the COVID-19 vaccine, believing it was his right to decide what went into his body. As a result, he was detained in a Melbourne hotel and later deported, preventing him from participating in the Australian Open.

Health Issues After Detention

Upon returning to Serbia, Djokovic discovered a high presence of “heavy metals and mercury” in his body. “I had some health issues. And I realized that in that hotel in Melbourne, I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” he explained. He added, “I had a really high level of lead and mercury.”

A Different Experience in Quarantine

Djokovic described his quarantine situation as a “jail room,” which was unlike the experience of other athletes. He had to fill out a form listing items he could receive, but when he submitted it, he was told that he had been given fewer points than allowed. “I was like, you must be kidding me,” Djokovic said.

Political Motivations Behind Deportation

At 37 years old, Djokovic believes his deportation was politically motivated. “That is the actual reason why I was deported from Australia. It was so political,” he explained. “It had nothing really to do with the vaccine or COVID. The politicians could not stand me being there.”

No Grudges, But Family Feels Differently

Although Djokovic does not hold any personal grudge against the Australian people, his family feels differently. “For me, I am fine. I never held any grudge against the Australian people. On the contrary, a lot of Australian people apologized for how I was treated,” he said. “The government’s changed, and they reinstated my visa. I was very grateful for that.”

Looking Ahead to the Australian Open

Looking ahead, Djokovic will face USA’s Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open. His most recent ATP Tour-level title came in November 2023 at the ATP Paris Masters, while his latest Grand Slam win was at the US Open against Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic also participated in the Brisbane International but lost to Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals. For the Australian Open, he will be teaming up with Andy Murray as a coach-player duo.

Novak Djokovic Eyes Records at Australian Open 2025

January 8, 2025, 12:10 pm

The 37 years old Serbian icon, Novak Djokovic remains as driven as ever to add to his illustrious tennis legacy. After a rare grand slam-less year in 2024, Novak Djokovic is preparing for a triumphant comeback at his favorite tournament. The Australian Open is all set to begin on January 13.

This 10-time Australian Open champion faces a unique challenge this year. Marking his first year without a major win since 2017, Djokovic watched the young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner split the four grand slam titles after falling to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 semifinals. Despite this, Djokovic is primed for success in Melbourne, where he has achieved unparalleled dominance.

Teaming Up with Andy Murray

Andy Murray, his former rival, is a significant addition to Djokovic’s team this season. Murray’s strategic expertise and mental toughness provide a unique edge, strengthening Djokovic’s pursuit of his 25th grand slam title. This collaboration could be the key to overcoming Alcaraz and Sinner, who are more than 15 years his junior.

Records Djokovic Can Break

Djokovic is currently ranked No. 7 after focusing solely on grand slam events and has several milestones in his sights. Here is a quick look at the records which Djokovic could break in Australia this month.

A win in Melbourne would surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 singles grand slams, achieved in her home country. With 99 men’s singles titles, Djokovic could join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (102) as the only men to achieve the 100 club feat.

Tied with Federer at 71 hard-court singles titles and a win to Djokovic would place him in sole possession of that title. Reaching the final would make Djokovic the second man, after Federer, to achieve 100 Australian Open match wins. Djokovic currently has 184 grand slam match victories. A title in Melbourne would put him within striking distance of Federer’s record of 191.

Australian Open 2025

Despite an early exit at the Brisbane International, where Reilly Opelka defeated him, Djokovic’s track record shows he peaks during grand slam tournaments. As the Australian Open approaches and begins next week on January 13, all eyes are on the Serbian legend as he chases history once again.

Djokovic And Gauff Cruise Into US Open Second Round As Thiem Bids Farewell

August 27, 2024, 12:01 pm

Djokovic Starts Strong in Quest for 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic began his journey towards a record 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding straight-sets victory over Radu Albot at the US Open on Monday. The four-time champion, playing for the first time since winning Olympic gold two weeks ago, defeated the Moldovan qualifier 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.

Entering Arthur Ashe Stadium for his 40th career night match at the tournament, Djokovic carried two gold bags over his shoulder, a nod to his recent Olympic success in Paris. The 37-year-old, who lost both his Australian and French Open titles this year, was largely unchallenged by the 138th-ranked Albot, who has never beaten a top 10 player. This victory marked Djokovic’s 78th win on the sport’s biggest stage.

“The night sessions here are the best in the world, and since the roof was added, it’s gotten even louder,” Djokovic said. “There’s an incredible energy, and with the new rule this year allowing the crowd to move around, there are a lot of things happening.”

Djokovic, seeded second behind world number one Jannik Sinner, aims to become the first man to defend his US Open title since Roger Federer’s five consecutive wins from 2004 to 2008.

Gauff Dominates in Title Defense

Coco Gauff began her US Open title defense with a decisive 6-2, 6-0 win over Varvara Gracheva. The third seed fired 10 aces and took just 66 minutes to dispatch the 66th-ranked Gracheva. Gauff also saved eight break points, including two with aces in the final game.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure at this tournament, but I’m just enjoying it,” said Gauff, who is seeded third behind world number one Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. “Last year was incredible, so I’m just bringing those vibes and whatever happens, happens.”

Despite an erratic season since winning her first major, Gauff showed signs of returning to form with this impressive performance.

Thiem’s Final Bow

American Ben Shelton kicked off play on Ashe with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over 2020 champion Dominic Thiem. Shelton’s win marked the end of Thiem’s Grand Slam career, as the Austrian, plagued by injuries in recent years, has announced he will retire at the end of 2024.

“I just want to say thanks for all the support,” Thiem told the fans. “It’s been 10 years since I first played here, and I had my greatest success on this court.”

Watch: Novak Djokovic’s Gold Medal Celebration In Belgrade- Pure Joy

August 13, 2024, 3:18 pm

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic has etched his name into history with a remarkable achievement, becoming only the fifth player to win all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in men’s singles. Djokovic clinched the gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a stellar performance that has captivated the sports world.

Upon his return to Serbia, Djokovic was greeted with a hero’s welcome at Belgrade’s The Old Palace. The atmosphere was electric as jubilant fans cheered for their national hero. Serbian basketball icon Nikola Jokic was also in attendance, adding to the festive spirit.

A golden homecoming. KOD KUĆE JE NAJLEPŠE ??❤️? pic.twitter.com/8KPvRbcDT4

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 12, 2024

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A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Djokovic shared a video of himself proudly displaying his gold medal. “A golden homecoming,” he captioned the post. The video captured the excitement of his return, with Djokovic receiving a warm and enthusiastic reception from the crowd.

From Switzerland, feeling so proud and emotional for you just as if I were Serbian. ??? We love you Novak! You’re really our golden champion ❤️??

— Sᗩᖇᗩ? (@saradjokofan1) August 12, 2024

Comments from celebrities and fans poured in. Former French footballer Patrice Evra praised Djokovic on Instagram, saying, “Best human being, best athlete, never forget his value, never give up, never change his opinion no matter having pressure on any government give this man a status of respect brotha.” Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, showed her support with a red heart emoji, while other fans expressed their pride and admiration on social media.

A golden homecoming. KOD KUĆE JE NAJLEPŠE ??❤️? pic.twitter.com/8KPvRbcDT4

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 12, 2024

One user commented, “Novak Djokovic, pride of Serbia. Serbia stands proud, as their champion returns home, not just with trophies, but with the hearts of an entire nation. Congratulations Novak!”

Djokovic’s performance in Paris was nothing short of extraordinary. The 24-time Grand Slam champion secured the gold medal without dropping a set throughout the tournament. Reflecting on his journey, Djokovic remarked, “I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games (2008) and ever since then failed to win the medal and played three out of four Olympic Games in semifinals and couldn’t overcome that obstacle.”

At 37, Djokovic became the oldest man to win the Olympic singles title since tennis rejoined the Games in 1988, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest champions.

Paris Olympics: Djokovic’s Dramatic Comeback in Quarter-Finals, Keeps Gold Medal Dream Alive

August 2, 2024, 5:12 am

Novak Djokovic, Serbia’s tennis legend, surged into the semi-finals of the men’s singles event at the Paris Olympics with a remarkable comeback against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic kept his Olympic gold hopes alive by securing a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals, despite battling discomfort in his right knee.

In the first set, Djokovic dominated with his precise forehand shots, winning 6-3. However, he struggled in the second set due to knee pain, leading him to call the physio twice. After falling behind 3-0 and later 1-4, Djokovic received treatment and regained his composure. He saved three set points at 4-5 and ultimately clinched the set 7-6, securing his place in the semi-finals.

Djokovic’s next opponent will be Italy’s 11th seed, Lorenzo Musetti, who caused a major upset by defeating defending Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev with a 7-5, 7-5 win. Djokovic recently defeated Musetti in the Wimbledon semi-finals in straight sets.

With an Olympic bronze medal already in his collection, Djokovic is poised to recreate the Wimbledon 2024 final if he advances past Musetti. Should he win and Carlos Alcaraz also reach the final, the two could face off in the gold medal match. Alcaraz secured his semi-final spot by defeating Tommy Paul 6-3, 7-6(7) in his Olympic debut.

Paris Olympics 2024: Nadal and Djokovic Gear Up for Potential Final Showdown

July 29, 2024, 3:38 pm

Novak Djokovic expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting that he had “played his part” following his commanding round-one win against Matthew Ebden, where he conceded only one game. Rafael Nadal also triumphed, beating Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in a gripping three-set match, setting up an eagerly awaited clash with Djokovic in the second round of men’s singles at Roland Garros.

This match will mark the 60th encounter between the two tennis greats, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head record 30-29. Their previous match took place two years ago, where Nadal avenged his 2021 French Open loss in the 2022 quarterfinals in Paris. This upcoming meeting will be their second at the Olympics; Nadal won their first encounter in the semifinals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and eventually claimed the gold medal, while Djokovic secured the bronze.

Although Roland Garros is regarded as Nadal’s stronghold, where he has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles, he approaches this match with an 11-6 record in 2024. Nadal has dealt with a new injury earlier in the year and faced a scare at the start of the Games. His best performance this year was reaching the final at the ATP Bastad, following an early exit at the French Open in May after losing in straight sets to Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic, despite not winning a trophy in 2024, holds a 23-7 record, including a run to the Wimbledon final earlier this month, where he lost to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

There has been ongoing speculation about whether Nadal’s next appearance will be his last on tour. However, when asked about the potential of a “last dance” with Djokovic, Nadal dismissed these rumors, questioning who had declared it to be his final match.

Amitabh Bachchan Celebrates Spain’s Double Sports Triumph

July 15, 2024, 1:50 pm

Amitabh Bachchan, a keen sports enthusiast at 81, didn’t attend Wimbledon but shared his thoughts online about Spain’s double triumph in sports on Sunday. He praised Spain for winning both the Wimbledon final, where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic, and the UEFA European Football Championship by beating England 2-1. Despite Djokovic being his favorite, Amitabh acknowledged Alcaraz’s brilliance in victory, describing him as a young player of exceptional talent.

T 5072 – SPAIN must be in celebration tonight ..
Alcaraz of Spain, wins Wimbledon ; and Spain wins the EURO 24 , beating England 2-1 ..
My favorite Djokovic lost , so it was depressing .. but he lost to a young player of some brilliance , Carlos Alcaraz .. but generous in defeat…

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 14, 2024

Amitabh’s post on X early Monday morning highlighted Spain’s celebratory mood after these victories, drawing positive responses from fans. While expressing disappointment over Djokovic’s loss, Amitabh’s sportsmanship impressed many. Bollywood celebrities like Sidharth Malhotra and Kartik Aaryan also congratulated Carlos Alcaraz on social media for his Wimbledon victory, reflecting the widespread admiration for the young tennis star.

Wimbledon Final: Ticket Prices Soar For Djokovic vs Alcaraz Showdown

July 14, 2024, 4:27 pm

Tennis enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating an exciting Wimbledon men’s singles final as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the sport’s top players, prepare to compete for the title. Sporting celebrities such as Rohit Sharma, Pep Guardiola, and David Beckham have been spotted among the spectators in recent rounds of Wimbledon. However, tickets for the Grand Slam final appear to be out of reach for the general public. Social media claims suggest that the tickets for the men’s singles final between Djokovic and Alcaraz are the most expensive in sporting history.

“Djokovic-Alcaraz Wimbledon Final will be the most expensive get-in finals tickets in the history of sports,” American sports commentator Darren Rovell wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Right now, WORST SEAT for Sunday is more than $10,000.”

Djokovic-Alcaraz Wimbledon Final will be the most expensive get-in finals tickets in the history of sports.

Right now, WORST SEAT for Sunday is more than $10,000.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 12, 2024

The cheapest ticket on @TickPick to see Djokovic-Alcaraz in the #Wimbledon Final is $10,600.

That is the most expensive get-in for a sporting event on record at TickPick. pic.twitter.com/cKtns5LrkA

— Kyle Zorn (@Kyle_Zorn) July 12, 2024

The approximate cost of the ‘worst ticket’ for the Wimbledon men’s singles final is INR 835,193.50. With Centre Court’s capacity of 14,979 seats, the total value of all seats at that price reaches an astonishing INR 12,500,000.36.

In comparison, the organizers have allocated INR 265 crore as the prize money for the final’s winner. The overall prize money pool for the tournament amounts to INR 500 crore.

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic claims that the opportunity to make tennis history will give him the “fuel” required to overcome Carlos Alcaraz and secure his eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th Grand Slam on Sunday.

At 37, and just five weeks after right knee surgery, Djokovic has the chance to become the oldest Wimbledon champion in the modern era, while also seeking to avenge his heartbreaking five-set loss to Alcaraz in last year’s final.

“I’m aware of what’s on the line. Any Grand Slam that I play, there’s always history now on the line,” said Djokovic.

“I will try to use that as a fuel to play my best tennis.”

On what is expected to be an emotional day, the final will take place in front of Catherine, Princess of Wales, marking only her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

According to UK media, she will also present the trophy to the champion.

Djokovic will be competing in his 10th Wimbledon final and his 37th at the 75 major tournaments he has participated in.

Winning a 25th Grand Slam title would set an all-time record for both men and women, surpassing the current record of 24 he shares with Margaret Court.

“It serves as a great motivation, but at the same time it’s also a lot of pressure and expectations,” added the Serb.

Novak Djokovic Celebrates Wimbledon Final Berth With Imaginary Violin Performance

July 13, 2024, 3:10 pm

Novak Djokovic’s antics on the court at times overshadow his game. On Friday, the seven-time champion cruised to a 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti to reach his 37th Major final.

Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in a mouth-watering reprise of the final of the last Wimbledon Championships. Alcaraz progressed to the final following a 6-7(1) 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev in an almost three-hour match, his fourth Grand Slam final appearance.

Upon securing the match point, Djokovic imitated playing an imaginary violin with his racket, but he did not provoke the crowd as he did in his last match to avoid confrontation.

“I am satisfied and pleased, but I don’t want to stop here – hopefully, I get my hands on the trophy,” Djokovic said.

This past week, in his fourth-round match against Holger Rune, Djokovic endured more than two hours of crowd noise. Chanting by the audience—that may have been ‘Ruuuu’ and was mistaken for ‘boooo’—appeared to peeve him. He prevailed in straight sets, anyway, the 24-time major winner.

“To all of those people who have decided to show disrespect to the player who is leaving the court, in this case to me, have a goooooood night,” Djokovic replied, his voice echoing around the hall. When interviewer Rishi Persad tried to interject, Djokovic refused to back down. “I know the crowd was for Rune, but that’s also an excuse also to boo,” he said. “I’ve spent two decades on the tour, so I know all of the tricks and how it works.”

Then, seeking the eighth title on Church Road, he sent a clear message to Centre Court fans: “I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me. You guys can’t touch me,” he warned.

Novak Djokovic Wimbledon Clash: On-Court Drama And Crowd Controversy

July 10, 2024, 12:42 pm

One of the tennis legendary figures, Novak Djokovic, found himself embroiled in a heated exchange with the Wimbledon crowd following his Round of 16 victory over Holger Rune. The drama unfolded when Djokovic, believing he was being booed, later learned that the crowd was actually cheering for his opponent, Rune, whose name phonetically resembles the sound of boos.

After the match, Djokovic expressed his frustration in an on-court interview, criticizing what he perceived as disrespectful behavior from some fans. “As I said in the post-match interview, I think most of the people in the stadium were respectful and I thank them,” Djokovic acknowledged, while also defending his reaction to what he felt crossed a line.

During a subsequent interview with the BBC, tensions flared again when Djokovic was repeatedly questioned about the crowd incident rather than the match itself. Growing visibly irritated, Djokovic challenged the line of questioning, asking pointedly if there were other topics to discuss. “Do you have any questions other than the crowd? This is the third question already,” Novak Djokovic asserted, before eventually walking out of the interview.

Novak Djokovic walked out of his interview with BBC in 98 seconds

Every question was focused on the crowd last night in the Rune match

“Do you have any other questions other than the crowd? Are you focused only on that? This is the 3rd question.”

pic.twitter.com/1ZM4kirPDL

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 9, 2024

The incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with the BBC reporting Djokovic’s abrupt departure from the interview. The Serb’s actions have since fueled debates about athlete-fan dynamics and the pressures of competing at the highest level of professional tennis.

Djokovic, known for his steely determination on the court, remains a dominant force in men’s tennis, with an impressive record of Grand Slam victories. His encounter with the Wimbledon crowd, however, has added another chapter to his storied career, highlighting the challenges and controversies that often accompany sporting greatness.

As Djokovic progresses in the tournament, all eyes will be on how he navigates both his matches and the spotlight that follows one of tennis most compelling figures.

Djokovic Advances To French Open Fourth Round With Spectacular Comeback Victory Over Musetti

June 2, 2024, 3:18 pm

Novak Djokovic continued his impressive streak at the ongoing French Open, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat young Italian Lorenzo Musetti on Sunday. Djokovic triumphed over Musetti with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 in a grueling match lasting four hours and 29 minutes, as reported by the ATP’s official website.

This victory keeps Djokovic’s aspirations of retaining his number one ranking at the tournament’s conclusion alive, requiring him to advance to the finals. Despite facing adversity after dropping two sets following a missed set point opportunity, the 37-year-old showcased his championship pedigree, rallying back to secure his 369th Grand Slam match win, tying Roger Federer for the most wins at major events.

Djokovic also improved his head-to-head record against Musetti to 5-1, avenging Musetti’s upset victory over him at the Monte Carlo Masters last year. In the upcoming fourth round, Djokovic will face Argentine 23rd seed Francisco Cerundolo, who has reached the fourth round for the second consecutive year.

Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime delivered an outstanding performance in the third round, defeating Ben Shelton with a convincing score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 at the French Open 2024. This sets up a fourth-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz, with Auger-Aliassime leading the Spaniard 3-2 in their ATP Head-to-Head encounters, although Alcaraz has emerged victorious in their last two meetings.

Novak Djokovic Struck By Water Bottle, Assures Fans Of Being “Fine”

May 11, 2024, 1:53 pm

Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked tennis player from Serbia, reassured fans that he’s okay after being struck on the head by a metal water bottle following his second-round victory at the Italian Open 2024 in Rome.

Despite the incident, Djokovic managed to defeat France’s Corentin Moutet with a score of 6-3, 6-1 on Centre Court, advancing to the third round of the tournament. While it marked a significant milestone in Djokovic’s career with his 1,099th win, the celebratory mood was dampened by the unfortunate injury sustained as he left the court.

During a moment of signing autographs for fans, the incident occurred as Djokovic was struck in the head by a stainless steel water bottle, as captured in footage circulating on social media. The 36-year-old immediately reacted by holding his head in pain and falling to the ground, prompting security guards to surround him. Djokovic was then escorted off the court as officials worked to identify the owner of the water bottle.

“Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday,” Djokovic posted on X, on late Friday night in Rome.

Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday. #IBI24

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 10, 2024

An alternate view of the incident, shared on social media, depicts a fan’s water bottle accidentally slipping from their bag as they leaned down to request an autograph from Djokovic. Following the match, Djokovic did not proceed with the scheduled press conference, likely due to the incident. Instead, Italian Open officials reported that Djokovic received medical attention at Foro Italico, reassuring that his condition his “condition is not cause of concern.”

“(Djokovic) underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern,” tournament officials said in a statement on Friday.

As a six-time Italian Open champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, the Serbian tennis icon is set to face off against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday, aiming to secure his 1,100th career victory.

Novak Djokovic to Make History as Oldest World No. 1 in ATP Rankings

April 1, 2024, 5:02 pm

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, maintained his position as the World No.1 on the ATP Tour, adding to his extensive list of records.

Additionally, he is set to break the record for being the oldest World No.1 this Sunday, surpassing Roger Federer’s achievement as the oldest No. 1 in ATP Rankings history. Djokovic will achieve this milestone at the age of 36 years and 321 days.

Djokovic, hailed as one of the greatest players in tennis history, has demonstrated remarkable longevity at the top of his game, even as he enters his fourth decade. Since his 30th birthday on May 22, 2017, the Serbian has secured 31 tour-level titles, including 12 of his 24 Grand Slam victories, 10 of his 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, and two of his seven ATP Finals wins.

Djokovic’s renowned dedication and professionalism across all facets of his preparation, training, and recuperation have ensured his status as one of the premier athletes in the sport well into his mid-30s. In addition to his exceptional on-court abilities, he has embraced practices like yoga and meditation to enhance his physical and mental well-being, while also prioritizing a nutritious diet to support his overall health.

Djokovic has often spoken about how the emergence of younger rivals has motivated him to elevate his game to new levels, enabling him to remain competitive against the next generation of ATP Tour stars.

Djokovic first attained the World No. 1 ranking on July 4, 2011, when he was 24 years old. In contrast, both of his major ‘Big 3’ rivals, Federer and Rafael Nadal, reached the top spot for the first time at the age of 22.

Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic’s latest challenger for the top spot, made history in September 2022 by becoming the youngest No. 1 in ATP Rankings history at the age of 19.

However, over the approximately 13 years since he first claimed the World No. 1 title, Djokovic has spent a considerable amount of time at the pinnacle of tennis. As of Monday, he began his record-extending 419th week as the World No. 1, placing him 109 weeks ahead of the second-placed Federer (310 weeks).

Novak Djokovic arrives in Perth ahead of United Cup debut

December 29, 2023, 3:19 pm

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has arrived in Perth to lead Serbia in the United Cup, a mixed-teams event. The World No. wasted no time, immediately practicing inside the RAC Arena with coach Goran Ivanisevic and fellow Serbian players. This marks Djokovic’s debut in the United Cup, where he will captain Serbia in Group E against China and the Czech Republic.

The 36-year-old tennis icon, with an impressive record in Australia, having clinched the Australian Open ten times, arrives after a stellar 2023 season, winning seven championships, including three majors and his record seventh ATP Finals trophy. Serbia, led by Djokovic, will also feature the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, Hamad Medjedovic, in the 18-country event.

Djokovic’s first match in Perth will be against China’s Zhang Zhizhen on Sunday evening. Notably, the United States, last year’s inaugural United Cup winners, will seek to defend their title with Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula, both returning to Team USA after their successful campaign last season. Fritz and Pegula each won four of their five singles matches and three mixed doubles matches, securing the victory against Team Italy in the final.

Novak Djokovic handed hefty fine for shattering racquet during Wimbledon final

July 18, 2023, 5:10 pm

The most accomplished men’s tennis player of the Open Era, Novak Djokovic, lost to World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Wimbledon final on Sunday, failing to win his 24th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic lost control many times in the dramatic match that went to the fifth set. The Serbian smashed his racquet on the net post after breaking Alcaraz’s serve and losing his own service game. The Serbian star was punished severely for his behaviour after being accused of ‘racquet abuse.’

Djokovic received a warning from umpire Fergus Murphy after shattering his racket into the net post and smashing it. The Serb was later handed a big fine of USD 8,000 for his avoidable actions. According to reports, this fine sets a “record” for 2023.

Djokovic was quite kind, accepted defeat gracefully, and praised Alcaraz’s stunning performance. Later, he compared him to Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and himself (Novak).

“I believe that throughout the past year or so, people have discussed how his game incorporates characteristics from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I’d concur with that. I believe he essentially has the best of all three worlds,” Djokovic said.

When Djokovic won his first major at the Australian Open in 2008, Alcaraz was still three months shy of his fifth birthday.

Casper Ruud sets Novak Djokovic showdown in finals of French Open

June 10, 2023, 4:53 pm

Casper Ruud charged into his second straight French Open final in Paris as he demolished Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 to register an easy victory in a semifinal match at the Court Philippe-Chatrier.

With a win over Zverev in the semifinals, Ruud set up a blockbuster clash against Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s championship match. Playing at the Court Philippe-Chatrier, Ruud dominated Zverev with his signature clean baseline hitting, completing a two-hour and nine-minute victory.

His relentlessness in forcing his opponent to play was the defining quality of his performance against Zverev. Ruud committed only 19 unforced errors in three sets, compared to 37 for Zverev, and his rocket forehand was the major weapon in his 25-win total.

Zverev dropped his first service game of the match but quickly rallied with a break of his own in the third game to take a 1-2 lead. That was the most the German could do, as he did not break his opponent’s serve again. Ruud broke again in the next game and was really adept at blunting the 22nd seed’s powerful delivery with some razor-sharp returns throughout.

Ruud sealed the second set with a solitary break in the seventh game, and he rushed to victory from there as a tired Zverev battled to keep up. To complete his victory, the fourth seed strolled to the final set without facing a break point.

Djokovic enters third round of French Open

June 1, 2023, 5:29 pm

The two-time champion of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic, reached the third round after defeating Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in round two on Wednesday at the Philippe-Chatrier court.

The Serb, Novak Djokovic, defeated Marton Fucsovics in three straight sets: 7-6(2), 6-0, 6-3. The duration of the first set went on to an astonishing one hour and 30 minutes, but Novak Djokovic prevailed and won the first set. After the win over Marton Fucsovics, the 36-year-old reached his 18th consecutive third round here at Roland Garros.

In the first set of the match, Novak was leading 3-0 but later found himself serving at 5-3 as his opponent made a comeback. Novak Djokovic struggled a bit to find his rhythm in the first set. He even shouted in despair towards his player’s box as he struggled with his footwork in the first set. Later, Djokovic went on to show his dominance in the tiebreak round of the first set; he won the tiebreak round with a score of 7-2.

In the second set, the World No. 3 seeded player easily cruised past his opponent and won the set 6-6. To win the third set, Djokovic was again made to work hard by his opponent, Fucsovics. The third set ended with a score of 6-3.

After the match, the 22-time grand slam winner, Novak Djokovic, said, “I’m very happy with the match. I had a lot of intensity throughout the first set, which was difficult for me.” Djokovic told Fabrice Santoro on the court. “I hope that I amused you, especially in the first set. It wasn’t enjoyable for me, but after it, now I can say, I enjoyed it”, as per the official website of Roland Garros.

Djokovic further went on to appreciate his opponent, saying, “Fucsovics is good on all surfaces. He has nothing to lose when he comes out on this stage against me.” While concluding, he said, “These night sessions are very special.” Novak Djokovic will face Spanish player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round of Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic quells injury concerns in Rome

May 12, 2023, 5:29 pm

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic quelled any injury concerns about his physical status ahead of his Italian Open Round of 64 clash against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

The Serbian star missed the Madrid Open and was eliminated early from both the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Srpska Open, but he is looking forward to starting his tournament in Rome, where he has won the title six times. “It’s all good. It’s all good. I mean, there are always some things here and there that bother you on this level. It’s normal. Also, when you’re not 25 anymore, I guess you experience that a bit more than used to be the case. It takes a little bit more time, I guess, to recover,” Djokovic said.

“But I feel good. I miss the competition. I love playing in Rome. Historically, throughout my career, Rome has always been a very nice tournament for me; I have had plenty of success and won it many times.” I also played quite a few times in the final,” he added.

Djokovic acknowledged that it takes him longer to adjust to clay than to other surfaces. The 35-year-old explained that there are several aspects involved. “It’s the movement. Every bounce, more or less, is different. It’s such an irregular bounce surface. You have wind. You have clay—a surface that is basically alive. Let’s call it this way: like grass in a way,” Djokovic said.

“On clay, if you have a windy day, the wind takes out the top layer of the surface, and it affects the bounce, the spin of the ball, and the speed of the court. Of course, if it rains or something like this, the conditions are different every single day, and then it affects whether the clay is softer or harder,” said the Serbian star.

Djokovic will begin his tournament against the Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry. It will be the pair’s first ATP head-to-head meeting. “I don’t know much about him. I’ve watched him play several times. I’ve also seen his posts decrease the deficit in points between us. I wish him all the best. He seems like a very nice guy, coming from a country that has had lots of tennis success. He looks like a very hard worker and a fighter on the court. I wish him all the best except tomorrow night,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic set to compete at US Open after Covid policy change

May 3, 2023, 4:43 pm

World No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam victor Novak Djokovic will be eligible to participate at this year’s US Open after the US said it is eliminating its vaccination requirement for visitors from other countries.

The top-ranked player in the world is not immunised against Covid-19 and has previously been prohibited from entering America. According to a statement from the White House, the Covid vaccination obligation for overseas tourists will stop on 11 May. The Covid-19 public health emergency will likewise come to an end on 11 May.

In a statement, the White House said, “Today, we are announcing that the Administration will end the Covid-19 vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and international air travellers at the end of the day on 11 May, the same day that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends.”

Due to his lack of vaccinations, Djokovic was unable to compete in the 2022 Australian Open and US Open events. According to Sky Sports, the Serb had requested a special exemption to compete in the US last month at the Miami Open and the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, but he was not granted it.

Djokovic participated in this year’s Australian Open in January and won his most recent major singles championship since entry into Australia is no longer conditional upon receiving a Covid-19 immunisation. Djokovic has clinched the US Open title three times, with his triumphs coming in 2011, 2015, and 2018.

Djokovic advances to quarters of Srpska Open

April 20, 2023, 3:45 pm

On Wednesday, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic rallied to win his round-of-16 match at the current Srpska Open and move on to the quarterfinals of the men’s singles competition at the ATP 250 event.

In their round-of-16 match, the world No. 1 overcame the French adolescent Luca Van Assche 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2. Djokovic came back from an early deficit in the third set to win the two hours and 38 minutes-long contest. “That was challenging. Really, I think I’ve ever played on a court with slower conditions than this. I was unable to enter the court. No ball could I throw past him,” Djokovic stated.

Djokovic displayed a deeper level of play and tested his rival’s court coverage, forcing him to defend. On his return, the 35-year-old was combative and had a sizable crowd cheering him on. His season record now reads 17 wins and 2 losses.

The seasoned Serbian player made some early forehand errors and lost the opening set. At 5-4, Van Assche served, and the Serbian looked for additional opportunities to control the match from the baseline and secure a break. Nonetheless, his rival maintained composure and won the tiebreak in the opening set.

Djokovic soon took his game to the next level, but he faced a minor hindrance after getting broken in the opening game of the decider. But Djokovic answered with a break of his own and sealed a win.

Djokovic is aiming for his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and the Adelaide Open. Djokovic will lock horns with either compatriot Dusan Lajovic or Frenchman Gregoire Barrere in the quarterfinal.

The 93-time tour-level title winner, Djokovic, will reach 1,050 tour-level wins this week if he reaches the final, something only four men in the Open Era have done, namely: Jimmy Connors (1,274), Roger Federer (1,251), Rafael Nadal (1,068), and Ivan Lendl (1,068).
The youngest player in the Top 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings is Van Assche, who is 18 years old. In just his ninth match at tour-level, the teenager demonstrated consistency from the baseline and a rapid pace.

The player from Brussels advanced quickly on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning three titles before moving up to the ATP Tour. Since 2016, only Van Assche, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune have won at least three Challenger championships before turning 19 years old.

Top-seeded Djokovic could face Medvedev in Monte-Carlo semi-finals

April 8, 2023, 3:16 pm

Novak Djokovic will lead the field at the first Masters 1000 stop of the clay swing, scheduled to be played at the namesake club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, between 9 and 16 April, after returning to the ATP Tour this week at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

The top-seeded Serbian could face inform Italian Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals before facing Miami champion Daniil Medvedev in the Monte-Carlo semifinals. Djokovic, who wants to keep his No. 1 ranking, will face either Brandon Nakashima or Mackenzie McDonald in the first round. The world No. 1 could face 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. The 35-year-old defeated Musetti in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros in 2021. Djokovic has won the Monaco Open twice, in 2013 and 2015.

Jannik Sinner arrives in Monte Carlo after reaching his second ATP Masters 1000 final, this time in Miami. He will play Diego Schwartzman or David Goffin in his first clay-court tournament of 2023. Medvedev has a 29-3 record this season and four trophies to his name. Chasing his first clay-court title, the third seed will face Italian wild card Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier in his opening match before facing German Alexander Zverev in the third round. Medvedev currently leads the Pepperstone ATP Live Race to Turin.

Holger Rune, who won his first Masters 1000 title in Paris last year, could face Medvedev in the quarterfinals. The sixth seed will face either wild card Dominic Thiem or Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the first round. The Dane could face Cameron Norrie or Matteo Berrettini in the third round.

Chasing his third consecutive title in Monte-Carlo, Stefanos Tsitsipas anchors the bottom half of the draw. The second seed, who is 12-2 in the Principality, will face Benjamin Bonzi or Bernabe Zapata Miralles in his opening match before facing eighth-seeded American Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. Fritz will face either 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the first round.

The fourth seed, Casper Ruud, won eight of his nine tour-level titles on clay. In his first match in Monte-Carlo, the 2021 semi-finalist faces Botic van de Zandschulp or a qualifier, and he could face former World No. 1 Andy Murray in the third round. Fifth seed Andrey Rublev, who reached the Monte-Carlo final in 2021, could be the Norwegian’s quarterfinal opponent. Murray plays 14th seed Alex de Minaur in the first round, while Miami semi-finalist Karen Khachanov takes on 2022 Monte-Carlo finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.