“A new hierarchy will inevitably be put in place in the absence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem,” says Julien Boutter


“A new hierarchy will inevitably be put in place in the absence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem,” says Julien Boutter

US Open 2021 will be without its three biggest stars, as the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem have all pulled out of the major. Thiem is the defending champion at the Flushing Meadows, and due to an injury, he will be unable to defend his title.

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Rafael Nadal has earlier skipped the Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympic, owing to a persistent foot injury. However, the Spaniard could not recover in time for US Open, as he continues to deal with his foot. The 35-year-old will go without winning a single Grandslam title in a year, for the first time since 2016.

Roger Federer who returned to action this year, after dealing with a knee injury, has also announced his withdrawal from the US Open. The Swiss maestro will need yet another knee surgery, for the damage caused at Wimbledon 2021.

Julien Boutter believes end of the season will be fascinating

Roger Federer
Roger Federer

Julien Boutter, director of the Moselle Open which will be held from September 20 in Metz believes that the absence of the three big guns will set a new hierarchy.

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“ We are all frustrated when we love tennis not to see Nadal, Federer and Thiem on the courts. This inevitably creates a lack, because they are charismatic players. . Afterwards, there is an obvious mathematical given, it is that all the points gleaned will be put back into play. This will therefore allow the other players to be able to build up a good mattress, to “take” the lead if they are efficient,” opined Boutter.

Moreover, he believes that the end of the tennis season will be fascinating, as several new youngsters will have an opportunity to prove themselves on the big stage. Thiem still won the US Open, he was in the Masters final just like Nadal in the semi. All this, the other suitors know. This is also why this end of the season will be fascinating because a new hierarchy will inevitably be put in place, explained Julien.

Novak Djokovic enters the US Open as the certain favorite to claim his 21st Grandslam title, and fourth major of the year. Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev will be the Serbian’s biggest rivals at the Flushing Meadows.

Also Read: ‘It’s Djokovic, but..’: Nicolas Mahut has an interesting take on the GOAT debate

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