Home » Former Top 10 player: “I wish Novak Djokovic had been there because…”

Novak Djokovic moved closer to completing the ‘Calendar Grand Slam’ last year, making him only the second man in the Open Era after Rod Laver to do so. Serb’s hopes of winning the US Open were dashed by Daniil Medvedev in the championship match.

Nole‘s inability to play his best tennis at Arthur Ashe Stadium was a cruel joke played on him by fatigue and enormous pressure. The former world number one, backed by the New York crowd, lost in three sets to the Russian.

The 35-year-old Belgrade resident had a rough start to 2022 because he had opted out of the Coronavirus vaccination. Because of that ridiculous soap opera, “The Djoker” was unable to successfully defend his Australian Open title and suffered significant damage to his reputation.

After a disappointing showing at Roland Garros, Novak salvaged his season with a seventh Wimbledon title. Former world No. 5 ATP player Fernando Gonzalez spoke highly of Djokovic in an extensive interview with ‘CLAY.

As discussed by Gonzalez, Djokovic

Former world No. 5 and 2012 retiree Fernando Gonzalez, after expressing optimism about Roger Federer‘s return to competition in an interview with Clay Tenis, discussed Rafael Nadal‘s rather exceptional season, in which he won two Grand Slams but was forced to forfeit in the semifinals of the Wimbledon tournament.

“My expectations of him have long since been dispelled. When I first heard about him, I assumed he would play for as long as possible in his youth. We didn’t expect him to win Wimbledon before it blew up, and now he’s done it twice.

Perhaps even more ambitiously, he could have challenged for the calendar Grand Slam this year. Novak Djokovic was virtually there a year ago. I wish I could have witnessed someone withstand such intense pressure and exertion.”

Previously, plenty of politicians also spoke in favor of the Serb’s participation. The US Open did enter Djokovic‘s name into the competition, but they must also adhere to any regulations set forth by the government. Djokovic‘s name was on the entry list at the Indian Wells tournament as well before the Serb officially withdrew.

Djokovic will likely not play in the US Open and will finish the year with only one Grand Slam title. Many spectators, including McEnroe, cheered the Serb on as he competed in this year’s US Open.