Daniela Hantuchova: 'Novak Djokovic should pass Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal'

The first Major of the 2021 season should start at the end of or early days of February, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continuing their GOAT race. In the season behind us, Djokovic, Dominic Thiem and Nadal claimed the available three Majors, with Wimbledon closing its gates for the first time since 1945. After a great start of the season, Novak was the favorite to claim at least two Major crowns and reduce the deficit behind the greaest rivals, making a perfect start at the Australian Open but staying empty-handed in New York and Paris. Despite that, Daniela Hantuchova believes that Djokovic is still the favorite to finish career with the most Major titles, feeling he still has a couple of great years left in him. After 2020, Federer and Nadal are locked on 20 Majors, with Djokovic following them on 17, setting eyes on more in the upcoming seasons.

Performing at his best, Novak is still the player to beat on both hard and grass, feeling confident and eager to chase Federer and Nadal. Novak has been the leading figure in men's tennis in the previous ten years, lifting more Majors, Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals than any other player.

Novak Djokovic stands three Major titles behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Reducing the gap to Federer and Nadal, Djokovic still has a chance to catch the greatest rivals if he continues to play on a high level in the next couple of years, throwing everything on Major tournaments in the rest of the career. After a perfect start of the season, Djokovic experienced the first setback at the US Open, hitting a lineswoman with a ball to get disqualified. Novak bounced back in Rome and reached the Roland Garros final, battling for the 18th Major crown with Nadal but suffering a heavy loss in straight sets, propelling Rafa towards the 20th Major trophy. Securing the sixth year-end no. 1 honor, Djokovic will try to return to the winning way in 2021, setting eyes on the ninth Melbourne crown in February.

"Novak Djokovic is younger and fresher; his fitness level is higher than I have even seen. He's got that hunger, that motivation inside him, which I find so admirable for him, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. To still have that hunger after everything they have achieved and improve their game regularly; I think they can thank each other for that. I feel like Novak has still got a lot of miles in his legs, and as long as he can stay healthy and motivated, I don't see what could stop him. I feel he has so much left in his game. He is strong physically and mentally; I would say he can maintain this level for at least four or five years. The physios are doing their work and rehab; the recovery techniques are entirely different from what they were 15 years ago; that helps him recover better," Daniela Hantuchova said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2KFSCuB