'Novak Djokovic knows the three-out-of-five set format should...', says analyst

The great Kobe Bryant was, is and always will be one of the best sports athletes. He inspired not just basketball players, but people from a variety of fields. The legendary superstar showed what it takes to be a champion on and off the court. More than a year since his passing, the void of his absence has yet to be filled. On a special day of his, one of the biggest names in tennis, Novak Djokovic, and 12-time major winner, Billie Jean King, remembered the maverick. Kobe Bryant celebrates what would have been his 43rd birthday today, August 23. In addition to his skills on the basketball court, the Lakers star has been a close companion to many people in the tennis world. Remembering the American legend, many current and former players took to social media to remember the great man. It was the least they could do in memory of an angelic soul lost too soon. On the late Kobe's 43rd birthday and only the second after his passing, everyone's wishes arrived. All the top celebrities from different fields paid their respects to the 'Mamba' World number one Novak Djokovic led the wishes in the tennis world. Djokovic, undoubtedly a person who had the greatest love and respect for the five-time NBA champion, said: “Happy birthday, Kobe. I miss you bro."

Greg Rusedski on Novak Djokovic

According to Greg Rusedski, the US Open could present Novak Djokovic with his biggest challenge yet. “This is the most pressured Slam he will go into in his life,” Rusedski said. “Yes there is no Federer or Nadal, but Medvedev is playing great, Tsitsipas and Zverev are playing great, this will be pressure at its highest. This is for No 21, to put him ahead of Roger and Rafa and to give him the Calendar Grand Slam. That’s why this US Open is going to be so special and we wait to see how he deals with it." Rusedski cited the example of Serena Williams at the 2015 US Open to illustrate his point. The American arrived in New York six years ago with the first three Majors under her belt. However, the pressure of a Calendar Slam got to her and she was stunned by Roberta Vinci in the semifinals. “We saw what the pressure did to Serena Williams when she tried to complete the calendar Grand Slam in 2015 and in the final matches, it was too much. Pressure can build and build, but he knows the three-out-of-five set format should play into his hands at the US Open,” Rusedski said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3mA08bA