Archive of posts tagged Djokovic

Novak Djokovic recalls his amazing triumph at the Paris Olympics one year on

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Alexander Zverev

Exactly one year ago, Novak Djokovic achieved the last huge feat of his career by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics against all odds. Everyone knows how much the Serbian legend has always loved representing his country, but he had never expressed his best tennis at the Games in previous editions, suffering some of the most painful defeats of his entire career.

The former world No. 1 had left the court in tears after being beaten by Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, in what Nole has always defined as one of the most atrocious disappointments he has experienced as a professional tennis player.

Almost all fans and insiders believed that Novak would have his last chance to reach this milestone in Tokyo in 2021, after the Olympics had been postponed by a year due to the pandemic.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was the top favorite in Japan, considering that he was virtually unbeatable that season having won the first three Majors of the year. Djokovic reached the semifinals in Tokyo without any effort, but his perfect mechanism jammed in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev when he was ahead by a set and a break. He suffered a shocking comeback and everyone thought that his dream had now been shattered.

Djokovic on his amazing run in Paris

The 38-year-old from Belgrade was not the top favorite in Paris last year, on a surface much more suited to the game than Carlos Alcaraz (who had won Roland Garros on those same courts a short time earlier). The former world No.1 had an exceptional run, enhanced by an impeccable performance against Carlitos in the final.

Exactly one year after that magical triumph, Djokovic expressed his feelings: “Oh my gosh, I’ve watched this video probably one million times. Not recently, now I’ve made a little break, but now you’re inspiring me to watch it again and again. It just stands out as probably the highlight of my career, considering the amount of time and years that I waited for that — or haven’t waited — I worked for it.

But the heartbreaking losses in the previous four Olympic Games that I played, unable to make that final step and reach the finals and fight for gold. It was the only big accolade that I missed, that I haven’t achieved in my career, and then coming at the age of 37, it is something very unique, unforgettable.

Alex de Minaur breaks silence on the tough conditions in Toronto

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Alcaraz

Alex de Minaur has further raised his level since the beginning of this season and is giving his best to win important titles, although he is still missing something compared to the top players who occupy the top positions of the ATP rankings. The Australian ace has also improved on red clay and grass, but there is no doubt that the surface on which he is most dangerous are the hard courts.

In particular, he is at ease at the Toronto Masters 1000 where he reached the final two years ago. In that edition, Alex played some really sparkling tennis before surrendering to Jannik Sinner who has always beaten him on the professional tour. The Aussie talent reached the quarterfinals this year and can really dream of making it to the bottom considering that Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic and Draper are missing.

The current world number 8 will face American star Ben Shelton for a place in the semifinals and will certainly have his chances, although on the other side of the net there is a very dangerous player on such a fast surface (thanks to his serve and forehand).

De Minaur doesn't complain

Several players have complained about the conditions in Toronto this year, saying that the surface is too quick and it's not easy to control your shots.

In this regard, de Minaur wanted to express his honest opinion during his last press conference: "Whatever the conditions are in a given tournament, I always try not to complain. I don't have the ability to change things, which is why my complaints will not help me to get a better result. I always try to go as far as possible by facing the various situations with the weapons I have available, I can't do anything else. I know that many players did not feel comfortable on these courts, but for me you have to find a way to get to the finish line."

A potential triumph in Ontario would give Alex further confidence ahead of the US Open.

Novak Djokovic invests in French football club with former F1 stars

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advisor

Like many times before, Novak Djokovic is expanding his portfolio beyond tennis. The 24-time Major winner became an investor in French Ligue 2 football club Le Mans FC.

The club earned the promotion back to the second division. On Friday, they shared huge news with their fans, announcing Novak as part of a high-profile group led by Brazilian investment firm OutField and former Formula 1 drivers, Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen.

Le Mans was founded in 1985. This year, they are celebrating their 40th anniversary with the arrival of athletes of Djokovic's stature as a strategic asset and a long-term plan.

Djokovic's renowned mental strength and unique mindset should bring value on and off the court. Meanwhile, Massa and Magnussen will bridge football and motorsport, as the little French town stages the most acknowledged endurance race every June. 

Racing heritage is already there, and football should join in the upcoming years if everything develops as planned. Novak continues to pursue tennis history at 38, still feeling the old desire to chase notable titles. 

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© X – Wimbledon

 

However, his latest move marks a new venture into football ownership. Le Mans FC kicks off its Ligue 2 season on August 9, and the investment underscores a broader trend of elite athletes diversifying their impact beyond their primary careers.

Novak is a massive football fan. He enjoys watching matches whenever he can, in Belgrade or worldwide. We have also seen him in various charity matches with his colleagues and other athletes. 

Now, the time has come to take that admiration to another level and open the new realm of football ownership. Novak should watch the start of Ligue 2 from Cincinnati if he enters the seventh Masters 1000 of the season. 

Sinner's Wimbledon Triumph, By the Numbers

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The Italian made history for his country on Sunday at the All England Club. Agassi

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 13, 2025

Jannik Sinner made history on Sunday at Wimbledon, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to become the first Italian to ever win a Wimbledon singles title.

Tennis Express

Before the grass clippings settle let’s have a look at what else Sinner achieved with his run to the title.

4 – Sinner wins his fourth major title, and is by far the most successful Italian player in that regard. Sinner ties Jim Courier, Ken Rosewell and Guillermo Vilas on the all-time men’s singles Grand Slam singles titles list.

20 – Sinner’s 20th overall title puts him in a tie with Daniil Medvedev for fifth on the active ATP title list.

100 – Sinner hit the century mark in Grand Slam matches, improving to 81-19 at the majors. Only one Italian player – Nico Pietrangeli, 94 – has won more.


6 – Sinner became the sixth player to reach four consecutive major finals in the Open Era, joining Agassi, Djokovic, Federer, Laver and Nadal.

By reaching all four major finals in his 23rd major appearance, Sinner has achieved that feat quicker than all but two players – Courier, 19, and Agassi, 22.

4 for 7 – Sinner has won four of the last seven major singles titles on offer, with Alcaraz taking the other three.

3 – With his title, Sinner becomes one of five players aged 23 or under in the Open Era to simultaneously hold three Men’s Singles titles at Grand Slams, along with Connors, Sampras, Federer Nadal.

Paris | Djokovic to face Zverev as Bublik knocks out Draper

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The first day of the second week of the French Open proved to be the last day of the British challenge as both Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie were defeated in their attempts to reach the quarter finals of the major clay court championships.

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