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“Like It’s the Last Match of My Career”: Novak Djokovic Warns Daniil Medvedev Ahead of US Open 2021 Finals
Right at the heart of unbelievable tennis lied a familiar face, whose stellar talent has him knocking on the doors of history. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic put on yet another emphatic display, marching forward in his quest for a record Calendar Grand Slam. Eager to stop him in his tracks, he met Alexander Zverev, who engaged in a thrilling 5-setter with the Serbian legend.
Man on a mission, Novak Djokovic lived up to his rank as he beat an infamous opponent, Alexander Zverev. Given the result of their most recent clash, fans feared an upset to be on its way. However, as Novak came to life in the fifth and final set, there was no stopping him. The Serbian ‘G.O.A.T’ outplayed the touch German attack and cruised into the finals of the US Open.
Notably, post his triumphant victory, he opened up on his thoughts ahead of the match of the decade.
One win away from history
Undoubtedly, the world will have its eyes on the Flushing Meadows as Novak takes on World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, fighting for a historic Calendar Grand Slam. A win in the final will also be his 4th US Open title. Hence, the stakes don’t get higher than this. Reflecting upon the same in his post-match presentation, Novak expressed his feelings.
He said, “I’m going to treat the next match like it’s the last match of my career. I will put my heart, my soul, my body, my head into winning it.”
‘I’m going to treat the next match like it’s the last match of my career. I will put my heart, my soul, my body, my head into winning it.’
Novak Djokovic ahead of a historical #USOpen final in which he hopes to complete The Grand Slam.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) September 11, 2021
On his way to the final, Novak put on a show against Alexander in an eventful semi-final clash. However, as the two giants locked horns, none were ready for what they were about to witness.
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Well played Novak Djokovic
Making life difficult for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, the German international bagged the first set fashionably. However, Novak responded to the pressure, putting his experience to full use, toppling his opponent with a dominant display. The scoreline so far read 4-6, 6-2.
A moment that best explains the intensity of the game came late in the third set, as the two ATP stars engaged in a 53 shot rally, the longest at the US Open this year. Notably, even as Alexander won that competition, it was Novak who claimed the set, taking the lead in the match.
Sep 10, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand against Alexander Zverev of Germany (not pictured) on day twelve of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Alexander did eventually make a strong comeback in the game, winning the fourth set authoritatively. But a feisty display from Novak in the fifth set saw the German youngster bow out of the tournament. As the final scoreline read 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, Novak was on his way to yet another Grand Slam final, notably the most important of all.
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