Athletes always find some aspect of their game to fix; they’re wired that way. It’s in their DNA. But Novak Djokovic’s 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 U.S. Open devastation of Marcel Granollers yesterday left no nits to pick, no faults to find — just a statement the world’s best player isn’t competing against the field, but against himself.
“I had some great matches in the past … but definitely today, second and third set have been some of the best tennis I’ve played on Arthur Ashe in my career,’’ the top-seeded Djokovic said. “I’m very happy with my mental state, how I feel physically, and the way I played. It’s definitely coming at the right time for me.’’
With the scored tied 3-all in the first set, Djokovic reeled off the last 13 consecutive games for a 79-minute breeze en route to his 18th straight Grand Slam quarterfinal, against Mikhail Youzhny.
“I haven’t dropped a game from that moment, so I think the result says how well I was playing,’’ grinned Djokovic, the 2011 champ. “It’s a great joy. It’s a fantastic feeling when you’re playing this well. You love spending time on the court and experiencing such a great zone when you’re at that moment.’’
Djokovic hit 34 winners to 15 unforced errors, while he harassed his outmatched Spanish foe into 32 forced errors. Djokovic won the first 25 points on his serve and didn’t face a break point until the last game, mercifully ending it on a backhand winner.
On Sunday, Djokovic — who grew up in Belgrade when the Serbian capital was bombed by NATO air strikes in 1999 — spoke out against U.S. plans to use air strikes in response to deadly chemical attacks blamed on the Syrian government.
Last night, he fondly recounted having addressed the UN General Assembly two weeks ago as part of the declaration for an International Day of Sport for Development and Peace next April 6.
“Being out there was definitely a special feeling that I didn’t experience before,’’ he said. “You had this sensation that you’re part of something that is very big. So just that experience brought me chills.’’