Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge has fired back at some of the criticism aimed at Novak Djokovic, particularly claims the World No.1 “choked” because of “nerves” in the US Open final.
Djokovic’s bid to claim a record-breaking 21st major title and become the first man in 52 years to win a calendar year Grand Slam ended in tears after a shock straight sets defeat to Russian Daniil Medvedev.
The Australian’s Will Swanton wrote in his report that Djokovic “totally and utterly unravelled” during the defeat to Medvedev.
“Djoker. Choker,” he wrote.
“Everyone was up for the occasion – except him. He started flat and stayed there.
“Poor footwork is the tell-tale sign of nerves and Djokovic couldn’t get moving. It was the worst match of his career.”
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) were equally as unflattering towards Djokovic when comparing the Serb to Australia’s ‘Golden Slam’ winner, wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott.
The AFR headline read: “Alcott chugs beer while Djokovic chokes”, while the Associated Press’ Brian Mahoney said “Djokovic was left in tears as he was overwhelmed by nerves”.
Woodbridge described such reporting around Djokovic as “absurd” and said even though the World No.1 fell agonisingly short in his quest for history, his achievements in 2021 are no less extraordinary.
“It riles me to think that a journalist would suggest he choked. If that’s what they think, they have no idea of what is required by the athlete, Woodbridge told Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
“It’s just absurd to even suggest that, it’s absolutely ridiculous.
“Are you kidding me? This was an epic achievement. Did he play his best in the final? No, he didn’t. But there’s reasons for that that go beyond choking.
