Coach explains how Novak Djokovic smashed Stefanos Tsitsipas psychologically before Australian Open

Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic has explained the psychological toll Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loss to the Serbian superstar took in the 2021 French Open final.

It’s been almost two years since Tsitsipas faced Djokovic in the Grand Slam final at Roland Garros, winning the first two sets before plummeting to lose 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. .

Tsitsipas won the first two sets against Djokovic in the 2021 French Open final, but choked down to spoil the next three and lose the match.

Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic (pictured), believes the Greek star has not been the same player since he lost out on the title at Roland Garros.

Tsitsipas will be looking to win his first Grand Slam with a victory at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night against ‘Joker’, who will be looking to clinch his 22nd and 10th Australian Open.

The pair have met 12 times in the past, with Djokovic notching 10 wins, including the 2021 final at Roland Garros, which Ivanisevic believes left an imprint on the Greek.

“I have seen him very nervous since the beginning of this tournament. It may be strange, but that match last year against Nole set him back,” Ivanisevic said at the 2022 French Open after Tsitsipas was beaten in the fourth round by teenager Holger Rune.

The pair have met 12 times in the past, with Djokovic claiming 10 of those wins, including the 2021 final at Roland Garros, which Ivanisevic believes left a mark on the Greek.

“I watched him, he is very nervous, he argues a lot with his mom and dad. He is not the same Tsitsipas from last year as he was more focused, he knew what he was doing and he knew how to play.”

Last week, Djokovic seemed to forget that he had ever played Tsitsipas in the epic five-setter at the French Open.

Reminded of the exciting encounter by a journalist, Djokovic suddenly came to.

‘That’s how it is. Sorry I’m wrong. I wanted to congratulate him because he is someone who seems to be ready to go for the title, and the way he has been playing, he has gotten closer and closer,” said the Grand Slam champion.

Last week, Djokovic (pictured) seemed to forget that he had ever played Tsitsipas in the epic five-setter at the French Open.

Many accused the Serbian star of playing mind games with the Greek, including Australian tennis great Wally Masur.

“Unlike me, who can barely remember yesterday, Novak Djokovic has a mind like a steel trap,” Masur told Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily.

‘Jim Courier asked him ‘when was your first Grand Slam semifinal?’ and quick as a wink he said ‘US Open 2007’ on the spot.

I think you know very well. I think he wanted Stefanos to see that interview. I dont know. Mind games at the beginning of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas pictured after the French Open final

The Serb apparently regained his memories of the 2021 French Open when he was interviewed after his semifinal win.

‘Well, I won that match. So my memories are quite positive. But I was two games to love down. For the first time I came back from two sets to win in a Grand Slam final,” he said.

It was also his first Grand Slam final. It was a really physical, emotional and mental battle. It’s always with Stefanos.