'Novak Djokovic does not have Roger Federer's brilliance', says 5-time World champion

Novak Djokovic's perseverance and mental stability are just some of the factors that allowed the Serbian to break the domination of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The World number 1 almost always manages to find the right compromise between risk and percentage tennis, which makes him difficult to beat even when he is not in 100% form. The Belgrade phenomenon can boast a positive balance with both the Spaniard and the Swiss, as well as having approached significantly in the all-time Grand Slam ranking. By winning the Australian Open at the beginning of the year, Nole has risen to 17 Grand Slam titles and is also in the running to become the player with the most weeks at the top of the world rankings. In a lengthy interview with Eurosport, snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan focused on Djokovic's skills as he talked about his attempt to win the world championship.

O'Sullivan on Novak Djokovic

"To win this title, I probably need to be someone like Novak Djokovic," said the 5-time World Snooker Champion. "He is double-solid, he does everything very well, and he's not going to give you nothing. He is not the most flamboyant player," Ronnie O'Sullivan added. "He does not have the Roger Federer brilliance, or the Rafael Nadal forehand that will come above your shoulder. But, everything is there from start to finish and his form does not dip very much. He always plays to a high standard." Novak will be the only Big 3 competing at the US Open, as Federer will remain in the pits until 2021 and Nadal has given up on defending the title in New York by focusing all his energy on Roland Garros. “It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited,” Djokovic said in a statement. “I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY,” the statement continued. “Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I’ve done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fXn5hF