Looking back on Novak Djokovic’s US Open final:
I have been saying that champions have been taken away their right to fail.
They’re always expected to win, and therefore, anything else than winning is disappointing. Can you imagine the amount of pressure that is?
Now imagine you’re not just expected to win a Grand Slam, but you’re one match away from rewriting history in a way that perhaps no other player will have the opportunity to, ever.
Novak was one match away from doing a calendar Grand Slam, and he was one match away from officially becoming the “GOAT”, by taking the lead over Rafa and Roger in the number of major titles won.
Because Novak is such a great champion, he has the ability to deal with pressure. But this is different. This doesn’t compare to any tournament he’s had to win in the past.
Novak has been carrying this weight on his shoulders for a while, and often with little support.
He has such a margin, that he has been able to win a lot this year without playing well quite often.
On Sunday, the crowd showed him their admiration and encouragements. But it was too late.
Despite that, he came so close, and gave us an incredible show. History wasn’t made this weekend, but I’m sure Novak hasn’t said his last word.