Djokovic motivated to beat Roger Federer record

Djokovic motivated to beat Roger Federer record

Djokovic’s odds to win the 2020 US Open improve dramatically in the absence of his biggest rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at Flushing Meadows. Federer is out for the season while Nadal is focusing on Roland Garros, which is set to get underway late September. 

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The premium on winning the US Open, which gets underway at the end of the month, couldn’t be any greater than it is for World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. It would mean taking one step nearer to his biggest rivals in the grand slam title count. 

Equally, winning the US Open – his second major title on the 2020 ATP season – would elevate his credentials in the best-ever debate; the so-called three-way G.O.A.T race that features frequently in men’s tennis nowadays, ignited by the awe-inspiring accomplishments and accolades of the Big Three in men’s game. Most fiercely competitive triplet in sport, all unfailing attempting to outdo one another year after year. 

Djokovic, is eyeing an 18th grand slam title at Flushing Meadows to close the gap on his arch rivals. Roger Federer owns the all-time record in men’s tennis with 20 grand slam titles, while Rafael Nadal comes in second with 19 grand slam titles. As it were, Djokovic is two titles behind Nadal and three titles behind Federer. 

World No.2, Rafael Nadal took to social media earlier this month, confirming his decision to forgo the US Open this year in an abundance of caution over health concerns amidst the ongoing coronavirus health crisis. 

The Spaniard won the 2019 US Open in a five-set thriller against Daniil Medvedev. In giving the US Open a miss, he paves the way for the Serbian the indisputable top favorite for the title to triumph. 

In theory, Nadal’s absence benefits other hopefuls. Daniil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are among some of the best bets to give Djokovic a run for his money. Although it’s been four years and 13 grand slam titles since a player not named Federer, Nadal or Djokovic hoisted a major title. The last player to crash the Big Three’s party was Stanislas Wawrinka at the 2016 US Open. 

Knowing just how competitive Nadal is, the decision against defending his US Open title can’t have been made lightly. To be fair, it was complicated further by the rescheduling of the French Open, which was moved from May to September. 

Nadal, the indisputable King of Clay, boasts an incredible 12 titles at Roland Garros. In his quest to rival Roger Federer in the history books, he was always likely to show deference to playing on his beloved Court Philippe-Chatrier.

In the meanwhile, Roger Federer is out of for the remainder of the 2020 season because of a setback in his recovery from knee surgery. Back in June, the Swiss maestro posted a statement to Twitter to confirm he’s out of competitive tennis until the start of 2021 at the earliest. 

 

Federer, currently ranked No.4 in the world, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in February. However, he needed to have “an additional quick arthroscopic procedure” done on his right knee a few months later and that pulled the plug on 2020.

Four years ago, Federer took half of the 2016 season off to recover from a left knee injury. At the time, there were many who wrote off the Swiss maestro. Claiming the injury combined with his age could be his undoing. Tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, was one of several that went on the record with less than optimistic predictions. 

Tale told, Federer returned at the start of 2017 with a vengeance and against all the odds won two majors. He defeated Rafael Nadal in a five-set marathon to win the 2017 Australian Open (his 18th title) and then won Wimbledon by defeating Marin Cilic in straight sets. He carried the momentum into 2018 when he won the Australian Open, his 20th major triumph. 

“Much like I did leading up the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100% ready to play at my highest level,” Federer wrote in his post. 

He added “ I’ll be missing my fans and the tour dearly, but I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season.”

The US Open draw features 128 players and focusing on just one player in the draw – and two players that aren’t even in the draw – seems a bit obnoxious. However, when Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have shared the last 13 grand slam titles between them, it’s tempting to gloss over the rest of the field. 

Simply put, the US Open is Djokovic’s tournament to lose. Whether he wins it remains to be seen.