'Djokovic is physically healthier than Roger Federer and Nadal', says ATP legend

Winning his 13th title at Roland Garros, the fourth without losing a single set, Rafael Nadal crowned a very long chase, equaling the record of 20 Grand Slams of eternal rival Roger Federer. The 34-year-old Majorcan demolished Novak Djokovic in the final, thus preventing the world number 1 from closing the gap that separates him from the two great symbols of the modern era. The Serbian had started the season very well by winning the Australian Open, but something in the mind of the Serbian has cracked after the sensational disqualification remedied at the US Open. Nole was the super favorite to take the title in New York, but a fit of anger ended up costing him dearly during his round of 16 match. In a recent sport.fr interview, former ATP number 4 Tim Henman believes Novak Djokovic has a very good chance of ending his career with more Grand Slams than Federer and Nadal. In addition to being the youngest of the Big 3, Novak has proven to be the healthiest from a physical point of view having remained undefeated for most of 2020. Thanks to the new ranking system induced by the pandemic, Djokovic has a concrete chance of staying on top until March 2021 and break the all-time record of weeks at number 1. According to L'Equipe, the Australian Open 2021 will be staged from 18 to 21 February to allow players to quarantine. Tennis Australia would have already communicated this to the tennis players, who will only be able to arrive in Mebourne on a date between 15th and 17th January.

Henman on the Big 3

“If I had to choose a player who will win the most Majors, it would still be Novak Djokovic,” Tim Henman said. “I look at his game, his physiognomy, he seems to be in good shape. He could overtake Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal." Henman also cited Rafael Nadal's poor injury record as a reason for his belief. The Brit suggested that Nadal’s long-term knee issues could come back to haunt him as he looks to build a healthy lead over the Serb in the Grand Slam tally. “I think Rafa's body has suffered a bit with these knee problems,” Henman added. The government of Victoria, which is the host state for the year’s first Major, has still not put out the official start date for the Australian Open. Reports in the Australian media suggest that the Victorian government is adamant on pushing through a two-week quarantine rule for players without the option of training. Media reports claim that Tennis Australia, WTA, and ATP are in talks with the Victoria government in the hope that it will eventually allow players to train and practice at designated facilities during isolation.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2JyPa4N