Pressure shall be immense when Novak Djokovic faces Casper Ruud within the French Open closing with a record-breaking twenty third males’s grand slam title and his place within the pantheon of tennis at stake.
Still in a three-way tie with Roger Federer and fellow 22-times grand slam winner Rafael Nadal within the debate on who’s the best of all time, the Serbian also can grow to be the primary male participant to say three titles in every of the 4 majors.
While Djokovic, who will participate in a report thirty fourth grand slam closing, could have expertise on his aspect on court docket Philippe Chatrier, the fourth-seeded Ruud is unlikely to be as frozen as he was in final yr’s closing towards his mentor Nadal.
In 2021, Djokovic was on the point of finishing a calendar slam – profitable all 4 majors in the identical yr – however was overwhelmed in straight units within the closing in New York by Daniil Medvedev.
“Novak is one of the best players in the world, that’s for sure, but when you’re on the brink of history I think that adds a little bit of pressure,” stated three-time French Open semi-finalist Alexander Zverev after falling to Ruud.
“You remember the US Open final he had with Medvedev after beating me in the semis still. The pressure … we are all human. Novak is human. We all feel it.”
The 36-year-old has gained 5 of the previous 9 grand slams and is assured that he can lengthen his streak in majors to 14 match victories after enjoying an unbelievable first set in his four-set win towards a cramping Carlos Alcaraz within the semi-finals.
“I put myself in another really ideal position to win a grand slam,” stated Djokovic, who will even snatch the world No.1 spot again from Spain’s Alcaraz if he lifts the Musketeers Cup.
With the fickle French Open crowd typically backing the underdog, Djokovic would possibly face a couple of jeers, however he couldn’t care much less.
“I don’t mind. It’s not the first (time), probably not the last. I’ll just keep winning,” he stated.
Ruud has by no means taken a set from Djokovic in 4 earlier conferences however the Norwegian has had a easy run into the ultimate, enjoying flawlessly, if not spectacularly.
The 24-year-old is contesting his third grand slam closing in 12 months, after additionally dropping to Alcaraz in New York final September.
On paper, Ruud has ready for each state of affairs as he bids for third time fortunate.
“I’m just going to try to play without too much emotion,” he stated.
“I think that’s when I can play my best tennis – when I don’t overthink the situation and think too much that I have to win this match, because then things go on automatic mode,” stated Ruud, who shall be in his third grand slam closing.
“Of course if I was to maybe win a set or be closer to victory, you’re going to feel the nerves and then it’s important to be mentally prepared.
“I’m going to attempt to visualise myself in each profitable and dropping conditions on Sunday and see if I can have a sport plan prepared.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
