Dominic Thiem backs Novak Djokovic to beat Berrettini, Zverev and Medvedev in his quest for Calendar Slam in New York

Dominic Thiem backs Novak Djokovic to beat Berrettini, Zverev and Medvedev in his quest for Calendar Slam in New York

Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic needs to win three more matches at the 2021 US Open to realise his dream of winning the Calendar Slam for the year. If the Serbian star is able to conquer his next three opponents, then he will become only the second player in the Open Era, after Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams in a year.

However, his road to a title in New York is expected to be challenging for the top seed. Floating in his section of the draw is World No.8 Matteo Berrettini, who will meet Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

Going forward, the top seed is likely to face Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Alexander Zverev in the semis and World No.2 Daniil Medvedev in the finals. While Djokovic has beaten both players at the Slams and also holds a superior head-to-head record, the German and Russian are still capable of beat the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

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Speaking to Tennis Channel on Djokovic’s daunting task ahead, 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem opined that the Serb is unlikely to let the opportunity of winning a Calendar Slam slip.

“That’s potentially the toughest path (Berrettini, Zverev & Medvedev) of the three biggest title contenders, but if someone can do it, it’s Novak,” Dominic Thiem said while speaking on Tennis Channel. “We all know that he has the chance of the century, probably. It’s not going to come that fast again, the chance for a calendar Grand Slam. So he’ll do everything and he’ll give everything to make it, and to win three more matches.”

Thiem backs Djokovic to create history

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

The Austrian was also confident that such insurmountable odds can only be conquered by the 34-year-old in men’s tennis today.

“He will have to beat probably 3 top 10 players in a row, which is always difficult, but as I said, if anyone can do it, it’s him,” Thiem added.

Interestingly, Djokovic has only won the US Open three times, despite being the most dominant hard court player over the past decade.

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