Zverev ends Djokovic’s Golden Slam hopes with stunning three-set win
Novak Djokovic’s hopes of becoming the first male player to win the Golden Slam came to an end in the Tokyo 2020 semi-finals after a three-set loss to Alexander Zverev
Novak Djokovic, Jeux olympiques de Tokyo 2020 – MIKE SEGAR – AI / Reuters / Panoramic
OLYMPIC GAMES – SEMI-FINALS
ALEXANDER ZVEREV (#4) DEF. NOVAK DJOKOVIC (#1) 1-6, 6-3, 6-1
- The main information: Fourth seed Alexander Zverev came from a set down to defeat world No 1 Novak Djokovic and reach the men’s singles final at the Tokyo Olympics.
- You will also learn: Zverev will fight for the gold medal on Sunday against 12th seed Karen Khachanov.
- Why you should read this article: To understand that Djokovic’s loss means an end to his hopes of creating history and winning a Golden Slam.
Alexander Zverev produced a stunning display of tennis to upset world No 1 Novak Djokovic 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the semi-finals of the men’s singles event at the Tokyo Olympics, ending Djokovic’s bid to become the first male player to win the Golden Slam.
Djokovic started off on a strong note, winning the first set 6-1, and looked headed towards the final. However, Zverev suddenly found his range as Djokovic started missing in the second half of the second set. The German went on to win eight games in a row to take the second set 6-3, and go up 4-0 in the third set.
Djokovic briefly stopped the rot to win to go on to the scoreboard in the decider but Zverev did not let up and won the final set 6-1.
Djokovic loss ends Golden Slam hopes
After winning the first three Grand Slams of the season, Djokovic was looking to become the first male player in tennis history (and only the second player ever after Steffi Graf) to win all the four majors and the Olympic singles gold medal) in the same year.
However, his loss to Zverev on Friday has ended those hopes. The Serb could still create history at the US Open. A win in New York would make him the first player to win all the four majors in the same season since Rod Laver in 1969, and also move Djokovic to 21 Grand Slams – one clear of rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic’s gold medal hopes in mixed doubles still alive
Djokovic will face off against Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta in the bronze medal play-off in singles. But the Serb still has a chance to leave the Tokyo Olympics with a gold.
Later on Friday, Djokovic will team up with countrywoman Nina Stojanovic to take on the Russian pairing of Aslan Karatsev and Elena Vesnina in the mixed doubles semi-finals.
