Novak won’t get Ruud awakening says beaten Alex
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has been hailed as a “machine” as the Serbian superstar insisted he can handle the pressure of making history at the French Open today.
The Wimbledon champion is the red-hot favourite to beat Norwegian Casper Ruud and claim a male record 23rd Grand Slam singles title. He currently shares the record with Rafa Nadal.
Djokovic’s bid to complete a calendar Grand Slam in New
York against
Daniil Medvedev ended in tears and defeat in 2021.
And beaten semifinalist Alex Zverev said: “Novak is human. We all feel it.”
But the Serb (above), 36, showed his ruthlessness to beat cramping Carlos Alcaraz to also move within a win of returning to world No.1.
And former French ace Jo-Wilfried Tsonga claimed Djokovic is physically and mentally ready to win again.
“Djoko has so much experience,” he said. “He knows how to prepare himself.
“He is so strong. He is a machine.”
Djokovic also has the chance to become the first man ever to win every Grand Slam singles title three times.
Asked about the weight of history before playing his record 34th Grand Slam final – to equal the record held by Chris Evert – Djokovic said: “Pressure is always on my shoulders, so it’s not going to be different.
“It’s part of my sport, part of my life, all that I do. I think that having pressure is a privilege.
“But it’s a source of motivation as well. I know how I need to handle myself, my emotions and to approach the finals in the best possible way.
“I hope that I’ll play my best tennis level on Sunday.
“The only thing I can say now is that I’m very focused.”
Norwegian world No.4 Ruud is playing his third Grand Slam final in a year but did not take a set off Nadal here last year or against Alcaraz at the US Open.
He has also not taken a set off Djokovic in their previous four meetings.
“It’s going to be tough, for sure,” said Ruud.
“He’s playing for his 23rd, I’m playing for my first, so I’m going to just try to play without pressure and just try to enjoy the moment.” l Andy Murray battled past defending champion Jordan Thompson 7-6 6-3 to book his place in the final of the Surbiton Trophy today.