'Roger Federer won most of his titles when...', says former No.1

Novak Djokovic is preparing for a real appointment with history at the US Open 2021. The world number 1 will go on the hunt for his fourth Grand Slam title, which would be the sweetest of his entire career. In the event of a triumph in Flushing Meadows, the Serbian phenomenon would reach 21 Majors (detaching Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the first time) and would complete the Grand Slam equaling Rod Laver's feat in 1969. With Roger and Rafa out of the league. games due to injuries, the 34-year-old from Belgrade will have to pay particular attention to Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev, both appearing in great shape and winners respectively in Toronto and Cincinnati. Djokovic will be called upon to manage a truly gigantic pressure, which will become even more suffocating in the crucial stages of the tournament. Serena Williams knows something about this, victim of a psycho-physical breakdown at the US Open 2015 while she was chasing the Grand Slam. Most recently, seven-time Slam Champion Mats Wilander analyzed Nole's chances of clinching her 21st Major in the Big Apple.

Mats Wilander on the Big 3

Recently, former great Mats Wilander spoke on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning the 21st Grand Slam title of his career. He felt that it will not be as easy as people may think. The emergence of the younger players on Tour and the fact that they’ve started winning the big tournaments will be another challenge. He also felt that once he passes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record, the hunger will diminish. While speaking to Wilander, he stated, “I don’t think he’s going to be celebrating Grand Slam victories when the two of them were playing. But when we go back, Roger Federer won most of his titles when Novak and Rafa were not playing. He played against Lleyton Hewitt, Marat Safin, Andy Roddick. I guess with Novak, he is the last man standing at the end of it all.” The 7-time Major holder added, “Roger and Rafa are probably the two strongest opponents he has faced and has probably outlasted them. Winning for Novak is just a number right now and that’s going to be hard. I don’t think the 21st Slam for Novak will not be as straightforward as we might expect it.” Roger Federer recently announced that he would be undergoing a third surgery on his right knee, ruling him out of the rest of the season. The Swiss was last seen at Wimbledon, where he was defeated in straight sets by Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/389Yfdc