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(CNN) – The US Open normally marks the end of the grand slam season. But the coronavirus pandemic changed that and having another major one around the corner could be exactly what Novak Djokovic needs to break through the low point of his career.
That’s the thinking of his friend and former coach Radek Stepanek, and former World No. 1 Jim Courier.
Stepanek also doesn’t rule out a shift in the land of public opinion at some point when it comes to Djokovic, despite his shaky final months.
He made an eye-catching pronouncement on vaccines, discussed the effects of emotions in the water, staged the Adria Tour show series in the Balkans that went terribly wrong, and most recently left the US Open in shame.
There would not have been as many players in recent history as such a strong favorite to land a major than Djokovic in New York this year, given his dominance, undefeated in 2020, and the absence of his two biggest rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
However, Djokovic was defaulted on Sunday when he hit a ball that inadvertently hit a linesman in the throat. Frustration overtook the 17-time Grand Slam winner after he lost three set points in the first to Pablo Carreño Busta, injuring his left shoulder in a fall and then broken to go 5-6 in a frenzied 10-minute stretch.
He later apologized on social media.
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‘He’s very sad inside’
Stepanek is a huge fan of Djokovic, but he had no problems with the decision made by the tournament officials.
The Czech, who coached Djokovic alongside Hall of Famer Andre Agassi for several months from 2017 to 2018, suspected the Serb was suffering.
“I know he’s very sad inside and he’s in pain,” Stepanek, former World No. 8 and Davis Cup hero from the Czech Republic, told CNN. “She has pain because it was unintentional and, at that moment, the pain is greater.
“And it’s difficult for him because we know how hungry he is to become the player with the greatest slams. I think he felt, everyone felt, that this should be accessible to him.”
“All these circumstances make him very sad and, at first, empty, because I think he himself knew it was wrong to be hit.
“Obviously, the pressure on him and the criticism he receives over time, is difficult. He is trying to do the best he can. He could be at the end of his career the greatest of all time. We are all human beings. Right. to make a mistake. “
When it was pointed out to Stepanek that Djokovic might have made some mistakes, he did not disagree.
“We create our own world and mistakes,” said Stepanek, who upset one or two opponents during his career but was one of the most entertaining players of his generation. “We have to accept the result.”
At the moment, Stepanek said that Djokovic is probably seeking refuge with his loved ones and those closest to him. They would include his wife, Jelena, and their two young children.
“I believe that he will return with his family and those closest to him to feel in a safe environment,” said Stepanek. “Being with your loved ones. I think one of your greatest strengths is your mental power.
“It doesn’t matter how sad and empty he is right now, and from what I know, it’s very deep because he’s a person with deep feelings and he’s sensitive, he’s also hard on himself right now. I think what he gets out of this will be going back to work. “
READ: ‘He’s going to be the bad guy the rest of his career,’ says McEnroe of Djokovic
Cathartic return
Djokovic is expected to return to action at the upcoming Italian Open in Rome ahead of his appearance at the French Open, which was pushed back from his usual spot in late May to September 27 in Paris due to the pandemic.
“He’s going to have a clay court event to focus on that starts in a week and he’s going to have to prepare for that, change the surface from hard to clay,” Courier told CNN.
“That could be cathartic for him, having something so fast that he can help him put this unfortunate incident behind him.
“The bad news for him is that he is out of the US Open, but the good news for him is that the French Open is right around the corner and he will have the opportunity to turn the page and move on.”
With 12 titles, Nadal will once again be the big favorite at Roland Garros, but Djokovic should not be ruled out. He is one of only two players to defeat the Spaniard at Roland Garros, alongside Robin Soderling.
The stakes are high in Paris regarding the Grand Slam record books. If Nadal adds to his incredible loot, he would tie Federer at the top of the men’s list with 20 majors. Djokovic would approach two older Federer, who is recovering from knee surgery and will not play again this season, for the first time if he succeeds.
Two years ago, Roland Garros proved instrumental in Djokovic’s rebirth after an elbow injury and a drop in motivation. Annoyed at going out in the quarterfinals against Marco Cecchinato when he had one chance after another, he subsequently won Wimbledon and took three of the last five Grand Slams.
“It’s going to be intense for quite a while with what happened, but I think when he gets back on the court and looks at the possible trophy, he’ll focus on what he’s doing and he’ll get stronger again,” Stepanek said. .
Recovering fans
Djokovic was already behind Federer and Nadal when it came to fan support before his mistake on Sunday. Their matches against the Swiss at Wimbledon and at the end-of-year championships in London are just a few examples.
But Stepanek is not ruling out a rebound.
“He has done a lot for tennis,” said the 41-year-old.
“I think people are going to love it, others will not like it, everything is individual. Obviously we know that Roger and Rafa are more famous, but if he recovers, it is not known what the future holds.
“I lived it for more than 20 years on tour and you don’t know what tomorrow holds. You never know what can happen.”
This story was first published on CNN.com, “Novak Djokovic is ‘sore’ after US Open incident, says former coach”
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