Tokyo Olympics: Big upset in tennis, World No 1 Novak Djokovic bows out, loses to Zverev: In the biggest upset in men’s tennis singles, World No 1 and top seed Serbian star Novak Djokovic on Friday was knocked out of the men’s singles event in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics after losing the semi-final clash. Germany’s Alexander Zverev defeated Djokovic 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the men’s singles event.
Also read: Tokyo Olympics Tennis: schedule, Draws, Top seeds, LIVE streaming; all you need to know
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 was aiming to become the first man to win all four majors and a gold medal in a season, having captured the first three major championships of the year. WTA legend Stefanie Graf completed this achievement in 1988. Djokovic had won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this year and now he would look to win the US Open, beginning August this year.
But as a result of this loss, Novak Djokovic would not be able to achieve the Golden Slam (all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold) in the same year. Djokovic had brought out his A-game to the court in the first set, and he ended up winning it 6-1. However, disappointment followed for the Serbian as he lost two back-to-back sets and as a result, he bowed out of the tournament.
Also read: Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic wins against Jan-Lennard, continues quest for Golden Slam
The fourth seed Alexander Zverev returned well throughout. He won 59 per cent (16/27) of points on Djokovic’s second serve as he stepped inside the baseline to dictate with his powerful groundstrokes. The 24-year-old raised his level in the crucial moments in the third set, fending off four break points to advance in two hours and five minutes. It is the first time Zverev has beaten Djokovic since 2018, when the German overcame Djokovic in the ATP Finals championship match.
Earlier, top seeds Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka were also knocked out of the Olympics.
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