'Novak Djokovic needs stellar 2021 to challenge Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer,' says..

In a recent interview, the seven-time Major champion Mats Wilander predicted how the GOAT race would look after the 2021 season. The Swede believes that Novak Djokovic wants to win three Major crowns in the season ahead of us and move closer to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who are currently three Majors ahead of him. For Wilander, Djokovic is the top favorite at the upcoming Australian Open, winning the eighth Melbourne trophy a year ago and wanting more of the same from February 8. The younger players are on the top-ranked rivals' chase, and Wilander urges Novak to reduce the gap as soon as possible, as he doesn't get any younger. In the Swede's opinion, the current season could be crucial for Novak's chances of reaching or passing Federer and Nadal, highlighting that he has to produce better results at Majors than in 2020 when he won only one title. Novak kicked off the previous season with his 17th Major title in Melbourne, beating Dominic Thiem in five sets to move two Majors away from Rafa.

Mats Wilander spoke about the GOAT race ahead of 2021.

Novak trailed two sets to one before finding the extra strength in the fourth set and crossing the finish line first in the fifth to extend his Melbourne reign. Wimbledon closed its gates for the first time since 1945, and Djokovic was the top favorite in New York, especially after winning Cincinnati. Instead of chasing the title, Djokovic lost the season's first match when he hit the lineswoman with a ball against Pablo Carreno Busta, experiencing the career's first default. At Roland Garros, the Serb advanced into the first final since 2016, seeking the second Parisian trophy but suffering a commanding 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 defeat against the clay king Rafael Nadal, allowing Rafa to match Federer's 20 Major titles.

"It would surprise me if Novak doesn't win the Australian Open; it would be difficult to beat him. Novak has a chance to reach 20 Majors this year, and if he wants to overtake Roger and Rafa, he has to produce a stellar season. Younger players will become stronger and stronger rivals in the upcoming years, and Novak should use this season to further reduce the gap to Federer and Nadal," Mats Wilander said.

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