101IN 2015, SERENA WILLIAMS TURNED
in a season very much akin to Djokovic’s 2021. Also 34,
she also won the first three majors; faltered disappoint-
ingly at the fourth leg as history beckoned; and despite
that sting, was, rightly and rightfully, hailed for one of
the towering seasons in the sport’s—in any sport’s—
history. Her assorted accolades including being named
Sports Illustr ated’s 2015 Sportsperson of the Year.
You will notice that Djokovic will receive fewer honors
(including SI’s). Why? Perhaps because he’s sometimes his
own worst enemy, prone to some scattered unforced errors
that can undercut both his popularity and a reputation
for sportsmanship. He can overwhelm his rivals, but he
often overwhelms himself as well.
Djokovic headed to the Tokyo Olympics bidding for a
“Golden Slam,” four majors plus a gold medal. His simple
willingness to chance it—f lying to Asia, interrupting his
schedule and enduring the COVID-19 protocols—amid a
potentially historic regular season, made for an admirable
move. But Djokovic lost twice—in the semifinals and the
bronze-medal match—and lost his temper more often thanthat, chucking one racket into the stands and smashing
another against a net post. This, less than a year after he
was defaulted from the 2020 U.S. Open for slapping a ball
in anger that happened to strike an official in the throat.
What’s more, during the height of COVID-19 in the
summer of 2020, a well-intentioned series of exhibitions
Djokovic organized known as the Adria Tour turned into
a superspreader event when players traipsed through the
Balkans unmasked and cavorted in nightclubs and base-
ment bars. Djokovic was among those who contracted
the virus. Apparently unchastened, Djokovic, multiple
sources tell SI, declined vaccination during the 2021
season. Asked repeatedly about his status, Djokovic—
AD the same player so rational he consults objective data
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2 1GREENER GRASS
Djokovic won his third consecutive,
and sixth overall, Wimbledon singles
title in 2021; after, he would have more
than two months to think about his
opportunity to win the Grand Slam.