Tennis

Vijay Amritraj, a former world No. 18 Indian tennis player, believes that the current generation of players, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have the mindset to challenge and defeat Novak Djokovic. Amritraj, who defeated tennis greats like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors during his career, said that he knew he could beat them on his good days."When I played with Borg, Connors, McEnroe, the best of my generation, I believed that on my good day, no one could beat me. I was going to beat them," Amritraj said. "I knew that, they knew it, and I knew that they knew it."Alcaraz and Sinner have both defeated Djokovic in Grand Slam matches in the past year. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final, while Sinner defeated him in the 2023 Australian Open semifinals."Now in their mind, they (Alcaraz and Sinner) know how to win against him (Djokovic) as well. Djokovic knows that, Alcaraz knows that, and Djokovic knows that Alcaraz knows that," Amritraj said.Amritraj believes that Alcaraz and Sinner have learned from their early matches against Djokovic and have developed a strategy to beat him."The important thing for Sinner and Alcaraz was what they learnt from the early times they played Novak. The thing that younger players tend to do against a great champion is when push comes to shove, they tend to force the issue. They don’t take a step back and say — you know what, I’m fitter than he is, I can stay with him longer over the course of a point, so I don’t have to force the issue and overdo stuff. Which is what would happen in the early matches. And that’s why Sinner was able to win in Australia and Alcaraz was able to win last year (at Wimbledon)," Amritraj said.Amritraj believes that Djokovic's fitness will be a key factor in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic withdrew from the French Open quarterfinals due to a knee injury, but he has looked strong in his matches at Wimbledon."Look, when everyone says, ‘Novak is done, he’s just had knee surgery, he’s wearing a brace, he’s not moving as well he used to’, the first thing I tell them is, do not bet against greatness," Amritraj said. "That is always going to be in Djokovic’s DNA. He knows how to handle his body. He wasn’t going to play this tournament to win one or two matches; he’s in it to win seven."

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has disrupted the established order in men's tennis, surpassing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). However, despite his record-breaking accomplishments, Djokovic has faced criticism and a lack of universal love and understanding.Djokovic's rise to the top has been marked by his unflappable game and mental fortitude. He has won numerous Grand Slam titles, Masters Series, and spent countless weeks as the world's number one player. However, his success has also been met with resentment from some quarters.Early in his career, Djokovic was perceived as cocky and prone to gamesmanship. His rivalry with Federer was fueled by a 2006 Davis Cup incident where Djokovic took repeated injury breaks against Stan Wawrinka. Federer's mother also made controversial remarks after Djokovic defeated Federer in the 2008 Australian Open.Djokovic's playing style, while highly effective, has also been criticized for its perceived lack of flair. Federer's elegance and Nadal's swagger have made them more popular with fans. Djokovic's machine-like efficiency, while impressive, does not evoke the same emotional connection.Furthermore, Djokovic's anti-vaccine stance during the COVID-19 pandemic has alienated some fans. His attempts to obtain exemptions for tournaments created logistical challenges for organizers.Despite these criticisms, Djokovic has matured over the years and conducts himself with dignity. He has shown respect for Federer and other former champions, even though he has surpassed them in terms of achievements. However, many fans remain quick to criticize him.The lack of universal love for Djokovic is a puzzling phenomenon. While winning is typically celebrated, in Djokovic's case, it seems to be an offense. This may be due to a combination of factors, including his perceived arrogance, his playing style, and his anti-vaccine stance.

Alex de Minaur Withdraws from Wimbledon Quarterfinal Against Novak Djokovic Due to Hip InjuryAustralian tennis star Alex de Minaur has been forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated Wimbledon quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic due to a hip injury. The news comes as a major disappointment for de Minaur, who had been in impressive form throughout the tournament.De Minaur's injury occurred during his hard-fought fourth-round victory over Arthur Fils on Monday. The Aussie appeared to hurt himself in the closing points of the match, but he initially expressed confidence that he would be fit to face Djokovic. However, subsequent medical testing revealed a tear in the cartilage that connects to his abductor, an injury that de Minaur described as "a freak injury.""Obviously not an announcement I wanted to make by any means," de Minaur told reporters in a press conference at the All England Club. "I had high risk of making it worse if I was to step on court.""It's been two days of worrying and waiting to see," he added. "In the grand scheme of things it could've been worse, I'm trying to hold on to that. It's a freak injury."De Minaur's withdrawal means that Djokovic will advance to his 13th career semifinal at Wimbledon, tying Roger Federer for the most of any man at the event in the Open Era. The seven-time champion will face either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals.The injury is a major setback for de Minaur, who has been enjoying a breakout season in 2023. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year and has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 20 in the world.Despite the disappointment, de Minaur remains optimistic about his future prospects. "I'm going to take some time off, get this right, and come back stronger," he said. "I'm still young and I have a lot of tennis left in me."

Novak Djokovic, the legendary tennis star, has sparked controversy after an on-court outburst and a premature exit from a post-match interview at Wimbledon. Following his victory over Holger Rune in the Round of 16, Djokovic accused the crowd of booing him, only to be corrected that they were cheering for Rune, whose name sounds similar to "boos."In a fiery on-court rant, Djokovic slammed the "disrespecting" fans and mocked those he perceived as booing him. During a subsequent interview with a BBC reporter, Djokovic reiterated his belief that a section of the crowd had crossed the line."I think most of the people in the stadium were respectful, and I thank them," Djokovic said. "But when I feel that a crowd is stepping over the line, I react. I don't regret my words or actions on the court."However, when the interviewer pressed Djokovic further about his reaction, the Serb grew visibly frustrated. "Do you have any questions other than the crowd?" he asked. "Are you focused only on that? This is the third question already. I said what I have to say, maybe we can speak about something else."The BBC confirmed that Djokovic abruptly ended the interview after 98 seconds, with every question focused on the crowd incident. The incident has sparked a debate about crowd behavior and the pressure faced by athletes on the world stage.Djokovic's outburst highlights the challenges of maintaining composure in the face of perceived disrespect. While some fans may argue that he overreacted, others may sympathize with his frustration at feeling unfairly targeted.The incident also raises questions about the role of the media in covering such controversies. While it is important to hold athletes accountable for their actions, it is equally crucial to provide a balanced perspective and avoid sensationalizing events.

Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina, two formidable players with contrasting motivations, will clash in a highly anticipated Wimbledon quarterfinal. Rybakina, the tournament favorite, has been in impressive form, while Svitolina has drawn inspiration from her role as a representative of war-torn Ukraine.Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion, possesses a powerful serve and all-around strength that will be amplified on grass. Svitolina, ranked 17 spots lower, will need to dig deep and rely on her emotional connection to her country to overcome the odds.In the men's draw, Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion, will face Alex de Minaur, a speedy and agile Australian. Djokovic's experience and superior groundstrokes will likely prove too much for De Minaur, who has never reached a Grand Slam semifinal.Taylor Fritz, the 13th seed, will take on Lorenzo Musetti, an unseeded Italian who has quietly reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Fritz's serving prowess and experience will be key against Musetti, who possesses a tricky mix of spins.Fritz acknowledges the pressure of being the favorite for the first time in a Grand Slam quarterfinal, but he remains confident in his abilities. Musetti, despite his impressive grass-court season, will face an uphill battle against Fritz's power and consistency.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has a unique ability to find motivation in adversity. At Wimbledon, he perceived that the crowd was booing him, which he took as a personal challenge.Djokovic's perception of hostility from the crowd has been a recurring theme throughout his career. He famously interpreted chants of "Roger! Roger!" as his own name, "Novak! Novak!" This ability to turn perceived negativity into fuel has been a key factor in his success.According to former professional player James Blake, Djokovic and other great athletes use perceived slights as inspiration. They believe that by overcoming adversity, they can prove their worth and achieve victory.Djokovic's ability to use crowd hostility to his advantage is not without its critics. Some believe that he exaggerates the level of negativity he faces, while others argue that it is simply a tactic to gain an edge over his opponents.Regardless of one's opinion, there is no doubt that Djokovic's ability to find motivation in adversity is a remarkable trait. It has helped him to overcome challenges and achieve greatness on the tennis court.

Novak Djokovic's post-match interview at Wimbledon has sparked controversy, with the Serbian star expressing his frustration over perceived disrespect from the crowd. After defeating Holger Rune in straight sets, Djokovic addressed the crowd's support for his opponent, which he interpreted as boos directed at him."To all the fans that have respect and stayed here tonight, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart," Djokovic began. "And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the players, in this case me, have a goooooooooooood night."The crowd's reaction was mixed, with some booing and others cheering. Djokovic, however, remained defiant, emphasizing that he would not tolerate disrespect."They were cheering for Rune, but that's an excuse to also boo," Djokovic said. "I've been on the tour for more than 20 years, so trust me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works."Djokovic's comments drew comparisons to other controversial figures in sports, such as Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios. Medvedev, known for his outspoken nature, has often clashed with crowds, while Kyrgios has a reputation for on-court outbursts.Despite the controversy, Djokovic maintained his focus on the respectful fans."I focus on the respectful people, who have respect, and pay the ticket to come and watch tonight, and love tennis and appreciate the effort the players put in here," he said.Djokovic's comments highlight the complex relationship between athletes and fans. While fans have the right to express their opinions, athletes also deserve respect for their efforts. The incident at Wimbledon serves as a reminder that the line between passion and disrespect can be a fine one.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is poised to reach his seventh consecutive quarterfinal at the All England Club on Monday. Aiming to equal the record of eight Wimbledon titles and claim his 25th Grand Slam crown, Djokovic overcame Australia's Alexei Popyrin in four sets on Saturday to advance to the fourth round for the 16th time.Djokovic's path to the quarterfinals presents a formidable challenge in the form of Danish sensation Holger Rune. The 15th-seeded Rune staged a remarkable comeback in the third round, rallying from two sets down to defeat Frenchman Quentin Halys. Djokovic acknowledged Rune's exceptional talent and competitive spirit, promising a thrilling encounter on Monday.Meanwhile, Yulia Putintseva, who stunned world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round, will face former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko for a place in the last eight. Putintseva's victory over Swiatek extended her impressive grass-court season, which included a title at the Birmingham Classic. Ostapenko, known for her emotional outbursts, will pose a significant threat to Putintseva's Wimbledon aspirations.Another intriguing fourth-round matchup features lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The towering Frenchman, who initially failed to qualify for the tournament, has seized his unexpected opportunity with both hands. Mpetshi Perricard's colossal serve has propelled him to the last 16, where he will face Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti. A victory for Mpetshi Perricard would mark a historic achievement, as he would become the first lucky loser to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals since 1995.As the Wimbledon tournament enters its eighth day, these three fourth-round matches promise to deliver captivating tennis and potentially shape the destiny of the championship.

The Wimbledon fortnight has witnessed a rollercoaster ride for the top three seeds in the men's draw: Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz. While they have all advanced to the second week, their performances have been far from flawless.Sinner, the top seed, has dropped two sets and faced a set point in a third. Alcaraz, the defending champion, has surrendered three sets and nearly lost to Frances Tiafoe. Djokovic, recovering from knee surgery, has also lost two sets and has struggled with his movement.Djokovic's struggles have been evident in his close fourth-set victories over Jacob Fearnley and Alexei Popyrin. He has admitted to feeling "lucky" to escape trouble and has acknowledged that his knee is still not at its best. However, Djokovic's experience and ability to rise to the occasion could prove crucial in the later stages.Alcaraz, on the other hand, has faced issues with consistency and feel for the ball. He has endured significant dips in his level, particularly against Tiafoe and Ugo Humbert. However, the Spaniard has shown resilience by clinging to his serve and turning around grim situations. His 12-1 record in fifth sets is a testament to his mental fortitude.Sinner has arguably been the most consistent of the top three, winning his last two matches in straight sets. However, he has also experienced lulls, such as losing the feel on his forehand against Ben Shelton. Nonetheless, Sinner's confidence and ability to find a way in the end remain strong.Despite their challenges, the top three seeds remain the favorites for the title. Sinner faces a tough road ahead, with Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz, and potentially Djokovic or Alexander Zverev standing in his way. However, the Italian's steady play and determination make him a formidable opponent.