Novak Djokovic (SRB) serving against Matteo Berrettini (ITA) in the final of the Gentlemen's Singles on Centre Court at The Championships 2021. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 13 Sunday 11/07/2021. Credit: AELTC/Ben Solomon
Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for a first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien whilst reigning champion Andy Murray faces a tough opening match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The draw for most Olympic tennis events (except the mixed doubles) took place on Thursday morning with 64 players entered into the men’s singles tournament. Djokovic’s route to the gold medal sees him start against the Bolivian world No.139 who has never beaten a top 10 player in his career. Then in the second round a meeting against either Jan-Lennard Struff or Thiago Monteiro awaits. Should all matches go according to the rankings, Djokovic could play Alejandro Davidovich, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev.
“(The) Olympics are specific in terms of pressure, expectations and emotions – everything is different compared to other tournaments and I know that very well, I felt it on my own skin in the past. Therefore, I will try to approach the Olympics in the same way that I approach other tournaments, so that I can stay focused on my goal.” Djokovic told reporters in Belgrade earlier this week.
At the other end of the draw, second seed Medvedev faces Alexander Bublik in his opening match in what will be their second meeting of the season. The Russian beat Bublik in straight sets at the French Open back in May. In his section of the draw, Medvedev could play Fabio Fognini in the third round.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will start his bid to become the first man from his country to win an Olympic medal in the Open Era against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Greece has only won two medals in tennis which occurred all the way back in 1896. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev will take on Lu Yen-Hsun who has won an impressive 37 Challenger titles during his career.
As for the first round matches to look out for, Murray’s opening clash with Auger-Aliassime will be a chance for him to avenge his loss to the Canadian at the US Open last year. Meanwhile, home favourite Kei Nishikori will take on fifth seed Andrey Rublev in what promises to be a mouthwatering encounter. Finally, Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz will take on Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.
Barty, Osaka headline women’s draw
image via twitter.com/AUSOlympicTeam
Two-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty will play Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in her opening match. It will be the first time she has played the Spaniard, who lost to Angerlique Kerber in the second round at Wimbledon, on the Tour. Should she win Barty will play either Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova or France’s Fiona Ferro. Also in her section is Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and French Open champion Barbora Krejčíková.
“I think representing your country is the highest honour,” Barty told itftennis.com. “For an Aussie, it’s the best thing you can do, and I can’t wait to have an opportunity to wear the green and gold. “You’re playing for something bigger than yourself, you’re playing to make people proud, and that’s not just with the results, that’s with the attitude. With the Australian spirit that a lot of people talk about, it’s evident when you really see it and all of the athletes in that Olympic team are the very best at bringing that attitude and bringing that spirit.”
Naomi Osaka will make her return to professional tennis against China’s Zheng Saisai. The Japanese world No.2 hasn’t played a match since the French Open after taking time off due to her mental health. Osaka recently revealed that she has suffered from depression and social anxiety since 2018. She could play Kiki Bertens in the third round followed by Iga Swiatek.
In other first round matches, Aryna Sabalenka will play Magda Linette, Elina Monfils plays Laura Siegemund and Karolina Pliskova faces Alize Cornet.
Only one out of the three women who won an Olympic singles medal in Rio 2016 is playing in Tokyo. Bronze medallist Petra Kvitova starts against Jasmine Paolini and has been drawn in the same section as Garbine Muguruza who she could play in the third round.
The Olympic tennis tournament will get underway on Saturday.
Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga (photo by Marta Magni)
Novak Djokovic says his defeat in the Davis Cup on Saturday was a ‘huge disappointment’ but he isn’t taking any credit away from the performance of his opponents.
The 24-time major winner was on the verge of taking Serbia into the final of the competition. Taking to the court after Miomir Kecmanović beat Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic knew that beating Jannik Sinner would secure his team an unassabile lead. Against the world No.4, he had a 5-4 lead in the deciding set with three consecutive match points at his disposal. However, Djokovic was unable to convert any of them and ended up losing 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
Then in the deciding doubles match, Djokovic and Kecmanovic lost 6-3, 6-4, to Sinner and Musetti. Resulting in Italy progressing to their first title tie in the competition since 1998.
“Congratulations to Italy for qualifying for the finals,” Djokovic said afterward. “They deserved it. They played really well, particularly Jannik, in singles against me and then doubles, as well. He barely missed a ball the entire match. “For me personally it’s a huge disappointment, because I take the responsibility, obviously having three match points, being so close to winning it. It’s unfortunate really. This is sport. When you lose for your country, the bitter feeling is even greater.”
It is only the fourth time in Djokovic’s career that he has suffered a loss after having match point opportunities. It is also the first time in his career he has been beaten by the same player (Sinner) multiple times in the Davis Cup.
The defeat is a bitter end to what has been a highly successful season for Djokovic who has won three out of the four Grand Slam events held in 2023. Last week he beat Sinner to win his 98th Tour title at the ATP Finals in Turin. To put that tally into context, only Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors have won more ATP trophies than him.
When asked if end-of-season fatigue played a role in his latest performance, Djokovic refused to find excuses. Coming into this weekend, he had won 21 consecutive matches in the Davis Cup.
“I don’t want to talk about it because it’s going to sound like an excuse,” he said. “Obviously this is a tough one to swallow. I was really trying to hype myself and encourage myself for this week. “Throughout the entire season, my thoughts were this week with my Davis Cup team. I tried to contribute. I did in the first tie, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
As Djokovic begins his off-season, Italy will face Australia for the Davis Cup title on Sunday. It will be the first meeting between the two countries in the event since 1993. If Italy wins, it will be only the second time they have claimed the trophy after 1976.
Novak Djokovic practicing at the 2023 Davis Cup finals (photo by Marta Magni)
Novak Djokovic’s comment that it is normal for fans to ‘step over the line’ during Davis Cup ties has been disputed by British team captain Leon Smith who argues that the highly animated atmosphere is a positive.
The world No.1 clashed with a group of British fans during his country’s quarter-finals win. Just moments after beating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4, to seal an unassailable 2-0 lead for Serbia, Djokovic was frustrated with fans during his on-court interview. Whilst speaking, he had to contend with a group of fans deliberately beating their drums.
“Learn how to respect players, learn how to behave yourself,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner responded to those drumming before adding, “No, you shut up, you be quiet”.
During the match, Djokovic also expressed his displeasure with some of the crowd by cupping his ear and blowing kisses after winning the first set. The tie featured an estimated 5000 British fans in attendance at the event which is being staged in Malaga, Spain.
Speaking during his press conference, Djokovic said he felt that there was ‘disrespect’ from some of those in the stands throughout his match but acknowledged that this was not unusual in the competition. Although he believes the way he reacted was justified.
“In the Davis Cup, it’s normal that sometimes fans step over the line but in the heat of the moment, you react too. You in a way show that you don’t allow this kind of behavior.” He said. “They (the crowd) can do whatever they want but I’m going to respond to that. That’s what happened.’ “I was trying to talk and they were purposely starting to play the drums so that I don’t talk and they were trying to annoy me the entire match.”
Reacting to the incident, British captain Smith has dismissed a suggestion that there should be a review into the policy on having drums during matches when asked if he thinks more should be done to show respect to players whilst they are playing. The former coach of Andy Murray has been in charge of his country’s team for more than a decade and oversaw their run to the title in 2015.
“The best ones are the noisy ones. When it’s flat and dead and no one’s clapping, no music, it’s pretty boring.” Said Smith. “That’s one of the things that’s good about Davis Cup and the team competition that actually you’re kind of meant to make noise. And there is always, whether there is a bit that goes over, comments, I could hear a couple. I don’t think it’s that bad.” “I would hate to see it quietening down because there’s enough quiet tennis as it is. If anything, that atmosphere is good for us.”
In the competition itself, Serbia is set to play Italy in the semi-finals where Djokovic could continue his rivalry with Jannik Sinner. The two clashed twice at last week’s ATP Finals with Sinner winning their group match before Djokovic triumphed in straight sets in the final.
“We’re kind of developing a nice rivalry lately. I have tons of respect for him.” Djokovic said of the world No.4. “He’s been playing arguably the tennis of his life. I saw a little bit of singles and doubles that he won. He really played on a high level. I could see that he was very pumped to play for his nation.’ “I know that he’s confident and playing some of the best tennis that we saw him ever play. But I’m not playing bad myself. So it’s going to be a great match.”
Serbia’s semi-final clash with Italy will take place on Saturday.
MALAGA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 22: Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks to the media in a press conference prior to the Davis Cup Finals at Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena on November 22, 2023 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for ITF)
Novak Djokovic has urged the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to consult more with players regarding the future of the Davis Cup after saying he believes improvements can be made to the event.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion made his remarks about the competition ahead of Serbia’s quarter-final clash with Great Britain on Thursday. This week the eight teams are participating in a knockout competition in Malaga for this year’s title. Those who qualified had to come through the group stages which were held in four cities across Europe with the top two of each group progressing.
Djokovic’s team hasn’t played a tie in their home country since September 2018 which was against India which took place without the tennis star. Something the world No.1 believes is a flaw in the system that he believes needs to be improved for the future.
“I feel that the best format will be somewhere in between the old one and the new one but I don’t think that this is best for the nations participating in the World Group,” said Djokovic. “The fact that we, as a team, have not played in Serbia for many years is not great because we don’t give an opportunity to people in Serbia to watch us play, especially young people and young tennis players.’ “It also allows (our) Federation to benefit in different ways from that home tie. So hopefully that can be back in some way.”
Although Serbia’s wait for hosting a Davis Cup tie could end soon. The ITF has written to the Serbian Tennis Federation twice to see if they are interested in staging one of the group-stage events next September, but they have yet to respond. They also previously contacted Djokovic via the Serbian Tennis Federation after the group-stage event in Valencia with a view to arranging a meeting in Malaga.
The Davis Cup has gone through numerous changes in recent years which was triggered by a deal with investment company Kosmos to revamp the competition. However, Kosmos’ pledge to invest in the event for 25 years didn’t even last five years after the ITF terminated its contract at the start of 2023.
As for the future, Djokovic says that there should be no ‘behind the doors’ discussions on what to do with the team event without the ITF speaking with the players and their federations. However, the modern format was voted in by a 72% majority of the ITF’s member nations at the ITF AGM in 2018. The ITF is one of seven governing bodies operating in tennis. The others are the ATP, WTA and each of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
“I don’t have in my mind personally a perfect format. I think it’s important to put it out on the table and discuss it, but not discuss it behind closed doors. Discuss with players and discuss with Davis Cup teams,” he continued. “I think everyone should have their say because so far no one has been really communicating with us from ITF. So that’s something I feel like should change because obviously we also are a very integral part of this competition. I feel like we can give some valuable information and feedback on what we think is the right way.’ “We will have probably a difference of opinions but I think the home-and-away ties is something the Davis Cup historically has been very famous for.”
Another issue brought up surrounds the location of the finals. Since the competition was revamped in 2019, all of the final ties have been held in Spain despite the ITF’s vow to move the competition around the world.
“Giving one nation to host every year the Last 8 for now three, four years in a row, actually five, Madrid, Malaga, is too much, in my opinion.” Djokovic states. “It has to travel. This is a competition that is played globally. I feel like the Davis Cup Finals, at least if you’re going to keep it at Final 4, Final 8, should travel every year. It shouldn’t stay in one place more than a year.”