Novak Djokovic entered the Olympic tournament as one of the big favorites, and the Serb seemed to fulfill the favorite stamp against German Zverev on Friday. Djokovic was completely superior in the first set, and easily won 6-1, but from there on out Zverev screwed up a notch.
When Djokovic broke Zverev’s serve midway through the second set, much seemed to be decided. But from there on out it was mostly about the tall German. The 24-year-old broke Djokovic twice in a row and served home the set with the numbers 6-3.
Zverev continued the big game in the deciding set, taking all four first games. From there and out, he blew a resigned world leader off the field, eventually winning 6-1.
Zverev was clearly moved after the victory, and the TV pictures showed that the German was crying after the shock victory. In the final, he meets Russian Karen Khachanov, who beat Spanish Pablo Carreño Busta 6-3, 6-3.
Thus, the dream of a “Golden Slam” is shattered for Djokovic, ie to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in addition to Olympic gold in the same calendar year. The Serb has already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this season.
–
