Over the last eight months, Novak Djokovic has steamrolled his competition in several tournaments. With the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon in the bag, the Serbian chases history in the ongoing US Open 2021.

However, there have been a few moments where the World No. 1 stuttered. With the US Open midway through its first week, ace tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou had his say on Djokovic’s quest to make history.

Patrick Mouratoglou believes the tension is escalating for Novak Djokovic

At the US Open, Djokovic looks to make history in more than one way. Not only is the Serbian chasing a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam, but he looks to become the first men’s player since Rod Laver in 1969 to clinch a Calendar Slam.

Mouratoglou, who coaches Serena Williams, believes the World No. 1 is enjoying 2021. However, he admitted the pressure to make history could derail him on his quest.

He said, “This year is special for Novak, he was always far from the two others (Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal) in terms of number of Grand Slams. Now, he is equal – 20 – 20 – 20. So, he knows it’s an opportunity to really re-write history and I can feel that the tension throughout the year is getting bigger and bigger.”

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Mouratoglou references Djokovic’s French Open and Tokyo Olympics performances

During the French Open final, Djokovic found himself two sets down to Stefanos Tsitsipas before making an impressive comeback. In addition, he returned from the Tokyo Olympics without a medal. When making his statement, Mouratoglou mentioned these performances to depict he could fail at the US Open.

“The first two sets of the Roland-Garros final against Stefanos Tsitsipas I felt he was super nervous, much more than usual,” said the Frenchman. “At the Olympics, he kind of lost it a little bit, he got crazy angry and he lost. I can feel it building.

“This moment for him is a lot about dealing with his nerves. In the last tournament he played he lost in a semi-final against Alex Zverev when he got crazy nervous so he has a bad taste in his mouth and he needs to get rid of it.”

Djokovic faces Tallon Griekspoor in his second round match after fending off a spirited challenge from Danish qualifier Holger Rune. With history beckoning the Serbian, fans will hope he can continue his impressive run in New York.

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