Novak Djokovic is the toughest mentally: Frances Taifoe

America’s Frances Tiafoe believes the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is the toughest player mentally on the tour. Djokovic is well known to bring his best in the big matches and has the tendency to win the big points. In fact, it is also noticed that Djokovic just uplifts his game if he is trailing in the match.

The same was palpable in the French Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas when the Serbian was down by two sets but bounced back to win his 19th Grand slam title. Djokovic has been in sublime form as he has already won all the three majors of the ongoing season and he is going to gear up for the Calendar slam after he could not go all the way in the Tokyo Olympics.

Djokovic was beaten in the semifinals in three sets by Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who went on to clinch Gold in the end. Thus, Djokovic will be hungry and highly motivated to win the US Open and join Don Budge and Rod Laver in the elite list of Tennis players who have won Calendar slam.

Djokovic was defaulted in the third round of US Open 2020 in his match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini and he will aim to go all the way in the coveted tournament.

There is no doubt that Novak Djokovic is one of the fittest players physically in the sport. Djokovic is well known for his reach and his photo of working out with the Gymnasts had recently gone viral in which he was seen performing the split. Furthermore, a lot of mental toughness is required and there is no doubt that Djokovic is up there with the best.

“The guy’s special, man. He can play on all surfaces, he’s moving so well, his serve has gotten a lot better. Mentally, just the toughest in the world. Not necessarily he has the best forehand, backhand or whatever, just mentally he’s so, so good,” said Tiafoe in a pre-event interview.

“As you raise your level, he’s going to keep raising it, keep raising it, really make you beat him. He goes to a place that people just don’t quite want to go to it seems like. He’s always got an answer for you.

“He’s on the brink of achieving something crazy special. As much as I love seeing greatness, I’d like it to stop, [see] someone else win, preferably me. We’ll see how it goes in the end.”