World No.1 Novak Djokovic has by far been one of the best player to have played the sport. He has redefined consistency and is smashing records left, right and centre since the last few years. Given the level at which he’s currently playing, he could very well become the greatest player to have played the sport in the coming few years.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Djokovic’s long time rivals, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer predicted the Serb’s results in 2022. Talking to Sky Sports, Berdych spoke highly about Djokovic’s 2021 season but said that he’s going to have a difficult time next year. He added that staying fit physically will be the biggest challenge for Djokovic.
“He’s going to have more of a difficult time next year, definitely. I’m not saying he has no chance of winning a Slam – he has a pretty good chance – but I think he’s going to have to avoid a tough match which will drain him over five sets because it’s two weeks, seven matches, and you need to stay healthy,” he said.
Berdych later predicted that if Djokovic keeps in shape, he has a pretty good chance to win at least one major next season. “He’s been so strong where nothing could break him, which is why he has been dominating, but I think now he’s getting a little bit more fragile. Next season is going to be interesting. I think he’s got the chance of winning at least one Grand Slam next year,” he said.
‘He’s one of the best players on the planet’: David Ferrer
David Ferrer, who played Djokovic 21 times in his career, said that he’s one of the best player on the planet. He then said that 2022 is going to be more competitive than 2021 and said that Djokovic could again win big if he stays fit and healthy. He also expressed his concerns over Roger Federer- who may not return on tour till Wimbledon.
“It’s going to be close next year. He’s one of the best players on the planet. The problem for Roger Federer is that he won’t play Australia and there are serious doubts about whether he will play at Wimbledon,” Ferrer said.
Ferrer added that both Djokovic and Nadal have a very good chance of winning the Australian Open. “At the moment, Djokovic is playing well and he is healthy, but I [also] think Rafael Nadal has a chance to win the Australian Open, for sure,” he added.
