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Novak Djokovic Wimbledon 2021
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Novak Djokovic is ‘mentally tougher’, says Indian tennis great


Indian tennis great Mahesh Bhupathi believes Novak Djokovic is ‘mentally tougher’ than Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer when it comes to big match moments. 

Novak Djokovic recently defeated Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon final to win his third consecutive title at The All England Tennis Club and match the record set by Nadal and Federer with 20 Grand Slam titles.

Bhupathi, who won four Grand Slam doubles titles during his career, stated that the Serbian’s mental toughness at the elite level is unparalleled.

“Novak Djokovic is arguably the toughest of the three mentally when it comes to dealing with big match moments,” Bhupathi wrote. “I have seen him beat Federer twice at Grand Slam events from match points down.

“He already has most of the records locked up. Most weeks at No 1, most prize-money won,” Bhupathi said.

“However, Novak will always rank three in the popularity context. That’s not because he’s not a good guy,” the Indian added.

“It’s because he has been a street-fighter when it comes to digging out matches from the start of his career and has since then developed a love-hate relationship with tennis fans.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.