I feel Djokovic to be more susceptible to an upset: Patrick McEnroe


I feel Djokovic to be more susceptible to an upset: Patrick McEnroe

Novak with family

Novak Djokovic

This year’s US Open has been marred by COVID-19 pandemic. Many top players have already withdrawn their names from the second Major of the season. From Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal to Ashleigh Barty & Simona Halep, many players are giving the tournament a miss over health safety. This has indeed weakened both the men’s and the women’s draw.

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However, it also gives a golden opportunity to talented youngsters like Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Coco Gauff among others to lift the title. There is a high possibility that we get new Grand Slam champions.

However, Novak Djokovic has confirmed his participation and is the hot favorite to win his 18th Major. Nevertheless, Patrick McEnroe, brother of legendary tennis player John McEnroe, feels the other way around.

An upset can be in store for Djokovic: Patrick McEnroe

Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev

Patrick McEnroe believes that barring Djokovic, Thiem, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, and Zverev, nobody stands a chance to win at Flushing Meadows. So, he thinks that an unknown name to win in New York is highly unlikely. “There are many debates going on whether a new face will emerge champion. Let me get this straight. Apart from Novak and NextGen superstars, no one will be able to lift the trophy. Practically, it is next to impossible to happen.” said McEnroe.

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The American then talked solely about Djokovic’s chances. He feels that the Serb might end up on the wrong side of an upset. “Coming after a long break, its not easy. But it is the same case with everyone. Having said that, I feel Djokovic to be more susceptible to an upset,” added McEnroe, while not purely ruling out the possibility of Novak’s win.

Nvak Djokovic will be bidding for a fourth US title and 18th Grand Slam overall. It will bring him just one shy of Nadal and two of Federer with respect to the highest Majors winners ever in men’s tennis. However, his preparations will go through a litmus test at the Cincinnati Masters beginning this Saturday at the same venue. Djokovic is all geared up as he has already started to hit the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic has the experience, but this time it’s different: Boris Becker