Australian Open 2021: Novak Djokovic cool as a cucumber

The Australian Open is underway. The first round has been full of explosive performances so far, but Novak Djokovic has remained cool as a cucumber.

The first round matches of the Australian Open 2021 have been nothing short of world-class standard, and some players are showing their best stuff from the get-go. With no major upsets occurring so far, world number one Novak Djokovic has breezed through his first-round match in what some may describe as “cool and composed”.

The Serbian came into his first-round match looking very much in control of the situation, and did very well to keep his emotions in check all throughout the day. Novak’s opponent, Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, was looking to upset the world number one in his opening match, having drawn perhaps the most difficult first-round opponent imaginable.

Nevertheless, Jeremy Chardy put on a solid effort, particularly in the first round, where he pulled off some incredible winners to secure 3 games within the set. Despite his best efforts, Novak Djokovic kept a strong composition and showed very little irratibility despite the Frenchman’s pressing attacks, showing a side of maturity that could only be displayed by a man of elite calibre.

Once the eight-time Australian Open champion had secured that first set, it was all smooth sailing as he did the bare minimum required to seal the deal over the Frenchman in straight sets. In what could only be described as a “cool as a cucumber” performance, Novak Djokovic kept his errors to a minimum and his consistency to a maximum, to secure his first-round victory with a convincing scoreline of 6-3 6-1 6-2 at Melbourne Park.

Analysing the Serbian’s form, it is clear he has his eyes set on the championship title in Australia, as he is doing all he can to make sure he does not cause himself injury or strain from overexerting himself during a point. Very much in control, Djokovic did not stretch too much or put his body on the line to save a difficult point, but instead opted to focus on the next point which he knew he had a better chance of winning.

The key takeaway from this first-round match at the Australian Open 2021, is that Novak Djokovic has yet to physically exert himself, and is breezing through his games using his superiority in skill alone. With the likes of Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem still in it to win it, it will be interesting to see how long the world number one can remain in his cool state.