Novak Djokovic admits ‘game fell apart’ in Golden Slam failure after Tokyo 2020 defeat

Andy Murray compared to Novak Djokovic by McEnroe

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Novak Djokovic’s bid for a Golden Slam was ended by Alexander Zverev yesterday and the Serbian has admitted his ‘game fell apart’ and that he was ‘exhausted emotionally’ in the match. Djokovic entered the Olympics on the back of an historic Wimbledon win.

He had also won the Australian Open and French Open meaning an Olympic gold followed by a US Open later in the year would mean a Golden Slam.

It wasn’t to be for Djokovic though as he was beaten by Zverev 6-1, 3-6, 1-6.

Djokovic opened up on the defeat afterwards and was clearly downbeat at not achieving his dream.

“Terrible. I feel terrible. My game fell apart,” he said.

“I just stopped, allowed him to dictate, my first serve percentage was low… At this level, with the pressure of playing for your country at the Olympics.”

He added: “Look, I didn’t come here fresh, I came here exhausted emotionally, but very motivated and with a great desire to win a medal for my country.

“I hope to use at least one of the chances tomorrow.”

Zverev admitted he felt sorry for ending Djokovic’s hopes in the Olympics but admitted he is the greatest player of all time.

“I feel sorry for Novak,” said Zverev.

“But he’s won 20 Grand Slams, 550 [36] Masters series or whatever, you can’t have everything.

“He’s the greatest player of all time, he will win the most Grand Slams out of anybody on tour, but I’m also happy that I’m in the final.”

Zverev is delighted that he now has a chance of winning a gold medal and making history for his country.

“It’s an amazing feeling, knowing that you’re going to bring the medal back to your house, back home to Germany,” added Zverev.

“It’s incredible beating the best player in the world undoubtedly right now, and in this season. It seemed it was impossible to beat him at this event, so I’m very happy right now. But there’s still one match to go.

“I know that he was chasing history, chasing the Golden Slam and was chasing the Olympics, but in these kind of moments me and Novak are very close.

“Of course I’m happy that I’ve won, but at the end of the day I know how Novak feels. I told him that he’s the greatest of all time, and he will be.”

Zverev will face Karen Khachanov in the final on Sunday with Djokovic in the bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno Busta.

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