“It would be like Herculean,” American tennis legend makes US Open prediction on Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic will be bidding of a 100th ATP tour title at the US Open, starting from Monday (August 26).

“It would be like Herculean,” American tennis legend makes US Open prediction on Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic might still be on cloud nine after his historic Olympic Singles Gold medal win in Paris earlier this month. The Serb defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 to capture the only major title missing from his CV.

Djokovic is now returning to the US Open, where he is the defending champion. Many have their favorites, but for Chris Evert, the American Hall of Famer, the Serb’s potential 25th Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows would be nothing short of ‘Herculean.’

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I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court. He’s won the Olympics. That was such a big goal for him, winning the Olympics. As far as winning the US Open, does the 25th mean as much? Can he get that energy going as much as he got in the Olympics?
Chris Evert said in an ESPN US Open preview

Djokovic aims to break his Grand Slam title drought in 2024 after failing to win any of the first three majors. He saw his Australian Open and Roland Garros crowns taken away by Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz.

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He’s going to come up against, again, some really tough competition. Can he do it two times in a row, the Olympics and the US Open? I would allow him to retire after that, I would say ‘Okay, you have everybody in the world’s permission to retire (laughter). I think it would be like Herculean if he wins this tournament and gets to 25. I mean, I think hands down he would have to be the greatest player ever, male player ever.
Chris Evert added

Moreover, the Spaniard defeated Djokovic for the second consecutive time in the Wimbledon final in July. If the Serb doesn’t win the last Grand Slam of the year, it would be only the second time since 2010 that he has gone through an entire season without holding any major titles.

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Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic’s records in sight at the US Open

Serbian legend Novak Djokovic has arrived in New York in pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title. Despite many proclaiming him to be the greatest tennis player of all time after his Olympic Gold medal win, there are still a few landmarks Djokovic could achieve in the next fortnight.

Novak Djokovic US Open 2024
Novak Djokovic US Open 2024 (via X)

Djokovic will be attempting to win his 100th ATP singles title in New York. Only Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) have won more singles titles in the Open Era. Secondly, Djokovic has a couple of Federer’s records to chase. The 37-year-old will attempt to equal the Swiss Maestro, Connors, and Pete Sampras for the most US Open titles in the Open Era. The fabulous trio have all won five US Open titles in their respective careers.

Thirdly, Djokovic will try to become the first male player since Federer to defend the US Open title. The Swiss icon remains the last player to defend the title in New York, in 2008.

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