World No.1 Novak Djokovic was conquered by World No.2 Daniil Medvedev at the 2021 US Open. In fact, the Russian also stopped the Serbian superstar from achieving the elusive, Calendar Slam in New York.
Despite winning the first three Grand Slams of the year, Djokovic couldn’t cross the final hurdle at Flushing Meadows. In the process, he also couldn’t surpass rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time Majors tally.
Despite the 35-year-old’s, gut-wrenching loss to Medvedev, veteran French player Gael Monfils believes Djokovic still remains the guy to beat on the ATP tour.
“I still see him (Djokovic) as a legend of tennis,” Monfils told the reporters in Paris. “He’s won three Grand Slams, and he’s still trying to get more. He’s a legend of tennis. He lost against Daniil who played extremely well. He hasn’t lost a lot of matches. He’s No.1 worldwide. So as far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t change anything.”
The 36-year-old who is currently playing in the Paris Masters also added that both Djokovic and Medvedev are playing at a high level.
“Both players have great level. Novak is still Novak,” Monfils reminded. “He’s still a fantastic player. He’s won three Grand Slams. He’s still the same. He only lost to the second player, the second-ranked player.”
Will Djokovic win his sixth title in Bercy?
Meanwhile, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will begin his quest for a sixth title in Bercy against World No. 40 Marton Fucsovics. Currently, the Serb leads the Hungarian 3-0 in the head to head count.
After having won his first title in 2009, Djokovic is also the only player to have won five titles at Bercy. He last won the event in 2019 by defeating Canada’s Denis Shapovalov.
Although Djokovic is the top seed in Paris this week, it will be interesting to see how he shapes up after an extended break from the circuit.
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