Tokyo 2020, Tennis: Novak Djokovic Loses To Alexander Zverev In Men’s Singles Semi-Finals

Tokyo: Nova Djokovic loses to Alexander Zverev of Germany 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the final of the men’s singles at Tokyo Olympics 2020. The German will now face K. Khachanov of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). 

Djokovic losing the match after being a set up is a rare sight, but the German was able to get past the juggernaut of Novak Djokovic. But it is not the end of the road for Djokovic as far as the Olympics are concerned. In the mixed doubles event, Djokovic is partnering with Nina Stojanović of Serbia. The Serbian team will face ROC’s A. Karatsev and E. Vesnina in the semi-final of mixed-doubles. 

What a win ?

?? Alexander Zverev defeats Novak Djokovic 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the #Tokyo2020 final!#Olympics #Tennis pic.twitter.com/q8KsicRv5d

— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 30, 2021

Djokovic won the first set comfortably by 1-6. It is a great opportunity for the second-seeded German to win his first major title as he has reached the finals of the US Open but didn’t manage to win it. 

Zverev at the net. “You’re one of the greatest players of all time. I’m sorry for this.”

Djokovic very gracious in defeat as always. It was a nice moment. pic.twitter.com/mgHOtRkBYK

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 30, 2021

Djokovic lost but he can still win bronze in men’s singles and perhaps, a gold in mixed-doubles. Djokovic’s mixed doubles semi-finals will be played later on Friday. 

When asked about increasing pressure on the Serbian of contesting in two events, he said, “Without pressure there is no professional sport. If you are aiming to be at the top of the game you better start learning how to deal with pressure. And how to cope with those moments on the court but also off the court, all the expectations,” to Reuters. 

Djokovic will play his bronze medal match against Spanish Carreno tomorrow.