Novak Djokovic’s coach explains how Stefanos Tsitsipas’s loss to ‘Joker’ in French Open final smashed the Greek star psychologically ahead of their grand slam showdown
- Serb’s coach says French Open loss hurt Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Ivanisevic believes Greek star wasn’t the same afterwards
- Djokovic won the five-set showdown at the French Open
Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic has explained the toll Stefanos Tsitsipas’s loss to the Serb superstar in the 2021 French Open final took on him psychologically.
It’s been nearly two years since Tsitsipas faced Djokovic in the grand slam final at Roland Garros, winning the first two sets before eventually falling in a heap to lose 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Tsitsipas took the first two sets against Djokovic at the 2021 French Open final, but choked to badly blow the next three and lose the match
Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic (pictured) believes the Greek star hasn’t been the same player since missing out on the title at Roland Garros
Tsitsipas will be looking to win his first Grand Slam with a win at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night against ‘Joker’, who will be aiming to clinch his 22nd and 10th Australian Open.
The pair have clashed 12 times in the past, with Djokovic claiming 10 victories, including the 2021 final at Roland Garros – which Ivanisevic believes left a mark on the Greek.
‘I have seen him very nervous since the beginning of this tournament. It may be strange, but that match last year against Nole set him back,’ Ivanisevic said at the 2022 French Open after Tsitsipas was beaten in the fourth round by teenage Holger Rune.
The pair have clashed 12 times in the past, with Djokovic claiming 10 of those victories, including the 2021 final at Roland Garros – which Ivanisevic believes left a mark on the Greek
‘I watched him, he’s very nervous, he argues a lot with his mum and dad. It’s not the same Tsitsipas from last year who was more focused, he knew what he was doing and he knew how to play.’
Last week, Djokovic seemed to forget he had ever played Tsitsipas in the epic five-set showdown at the French Open.
When he was reminded of the thrilling encounter by a journalist, Djokovic suddenly came to his senses.
‘That’s right. Sorry, my bad. I wanted to compliment him because he’s someone who looks ready to go for the title, and the way he has been playing, he’s been coming closer and closer,’ the grand slam champ said.
Last week, Djokovic (pictured) seemed to forget he had ever played Tsitsipas in the epic five-set showdown at the French Open
Many accused the Serb star of playing mind games with the Greek, including Australian tennis great Wally Masur.
‘Unlike me, who can barely remember yesterday, Novak Djokovic has a mind like a steel trap,’ said Masur on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.
‘Jim Courier asked him ‘when was your first grand slam semi-final?’ and quick as a wink he said ‘US Open 2007’ on the spot.
‘I think he knows very well. I think he wanted Stefanos to see that interview. I don’t know. Mind games earlier on in the tournament.’
Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas pictured after the French Open final
The Serb seemingly regained his memories of the 2021 French Open when being interviewed after his semifinal win.
‘Well I won that match. So my recollections are pretty positive. But I was two sets to love down. For the first time I came back from two sets to love down in a Grand Slam final,’ he said.
‘It was also his first Grand Slam final. It was a really physical, emotional, mental battle. It always is with Stefanos.’