'I don't think Roger Federer, Nadal, Djokovic are going to sweep...', says legend

In just over ten days, the Australian Open 2021 will start, postponed to February to allow all players to carry out the two weeks of mandatory quarantine. The big favorite of the men's tournament will once again be Novak Djokovic, capable of winning the Happy Slam eight times and winner of the last edition (beating Domonic Thiem in the final). The world number 1 will also try to redeem the disappointments accrued last year at the US Open and Roland Garros, where he hoped to further enrich his already amazing showcase. Before last year's US Open, which sanctioned Dominic Thiem's ​​first Grand Slam triumph, the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic) had won the last 13 Majors played. In the course of a long interview with 'Wide World of Sports', former ATP No. 1 Jim Courier admitted that it is unlikely to see such dominance in 2021 as well, while pointing out that Djokovic and Nadal will be the men to beat at Melbourne Park.

Courier on the 2021 Australian Open

"Novak Djokovic is an overwhelming favorite given how many times he has lifted the trophy and how well he played last year," Jim Courier said. "I think throughout 2021, yes (someone outside of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer will win a Major). Before last year’s US Open (where Dominic Thiem won the title), Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had accounted for all of the previous 13 Majors. The last time someone other than than them had won a Slam was back at the 2016 US Open, when Stan Wawrinka beat Novak Djokovic in the final. "I don't think the old guard is going to sweep all the Majors as they have in recent years," Courier added. "But I do expect that one of the old guards will win the Australian Open on the men's side." Keeping everyone’s health in mind, the Australian Open management came out with a COVIDSafe plan for the Grand Slam recently. Under this, the Melbourne Park precinct will consist of three key zones, with each arena located in a separate zone (Rod Laver Arena zone, Margaret Court Arena zone, and John Cain Arena zone). This is done in order to minimize coronavirus cases and ensure the safety of all the players. As the rules are laid down, it’ll be the implementation of these rules that will decide the fate of the Australian Open 2021. Fans are quite enthusiastic about the event and will hope to see a fantastic tournament in Melbourne in two weeks.

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