We had never seen that. Or rather, never heard that. Sunday, public short-Arthur Ashe has provided massive support but not near unanimous Roger Federer. Electric, almost delirious, the crowd had the look of Davis Cup, more than Grand Slam final. The public had never been to this party point for a player in a major final not involving a “local”. Facing a legend and at least 20000 over, Djokovic withstood yet. And won. New testimony to his exceptional mental strength. His trademark.
The Serb is obviously used to finding a largely unfavorable public when he faces Federer. He took his part. But in such proportions … “I tried to focus on the spectators who were in my favor,” he joked after the final. Always so impeccable in his comments, not wanting to say something wrong, Djokovic has not issued any reprimand to the public which, however, on some occasions, failed to exceed the limit. As these few screams when he was about to serve.
“It is logical that a player, a champion and a personality like Roger has that kind of support”
“I can not criticize the public, especially here in New York where the interaction with the audience and the show really part of the tournament , he said. This is Logic a player, a champion and a personality like Roger has that kind of support, this is the case all over the world. It deserves the support and encouragement that, by its conduct on and off the court . To me to make to deserve it too. “ Also zen and understanding, at least in appearance, he could be on the court.
Roger Federer, losing finalist of the US Open 2015 Novak Djokovic face. – AFP
Severin Luhti, the coach of Roger Federer, has also stressed the attitude of Djokovic compared to the public: “He managed to keep his cool and concentration in a very difficult situation for him and we must take our hats off to him. ” Yes, the world number one has never parted with his cool and calm. He even perhaps fed the crowd. But should we be surprised? It has a unique ability to face whatever may be work of adversity. The game of the one located on the other side of the net. Its own deficiencies, his doubts, external factors such as the public. Everything, he overcomes everything.
“I try to be mentally tough on each point, point by point”
If Novak Djokovic entered the history of tennis, is first and foremost his extraordinary psychological strength it should. Yes, perhaps it is the “big mind” in the history of the sport. Each in their own way Borg, Connors and Nadal were monsters in the field. But Djokovic goes further. Of course, it would be absurd to reduce it to that. It is a great player, to the complete technical palette, the mind-boggling physics, a brilliant defender. It is all. But his head, his face is his extra soul. When he leaves, that’s probably what comes to mind when thinking of him. Even dominated even jostled, it is (almost) always a way to get away.
Sunday evening, difficult to consider it actually was over Roger Federer. Apart from the first set, it was even felt globally on the back foot more often than he was master of the debates. But, again and again, he found the key. If Federer could convert only four of 23 break points, but also because, on these key points, Djokovic was able to leave the big play. “I try to be mentally tough on each point point by point. Obviously, this is easier said than done, “ he smiled at a press conference at the mention of his outsized resilience.
But it’s exactly that. Point by point. Djokovic seems to have this unique ability to erase everything that just happened to negative. As if he had a “delete” button in the brain. His last two victorious finals against Federer still bear witness. At Wimbledon, he made the difference early in the third set, just after losing in heart-breaking fashion the second run vendangeant 7 balls two sets to love. How many would have sunk after that? Or, at least, would have taken three quarters of an hour to recover? Sunday, he had almost the trophy in the hands leading 5-2 and double break in the fourth set. Federer then passed three times at one point to pick 5-5. But on arrival, which had the last word after a final effort on itself?
There is only one game this year where it was felt weakened compared to this aspect: the French Open final. His only loss in all four major tournaments. Stan Wawrinka has delivered a superb game that day but, in the face Djokovic left shows an almost palpable crack. It felt tense, blocked. The weight of this quest for Roland Garros, the only Grand Slam lifted refusing to him. But this notable exception, the 2015 Djokovic again pushed the boundaries in terms of possible character. Whether one or 20000 they were against it changes nothing. In this regard, the victorious 10th major final, Federer often face a bright and clear crowd ever on his desires, will probably remain his masterpiece.
Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros – AFP
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