Well, Djokovic tried.
While Medvedev put on a superb display, I do feel that occasion got too much into Novak’s head and he froze. Had the record not been at stake, he probably would have fared better.
Congrats to Daniil!
Tag: Rod Laver
The fourth and last major of the year begins in two weeks, and all eyes are on Novak Djokovic as he aims to become the first player to win all four majors during a calendar year since Steffi Graff achived it in 1988 and Rod Laver on the men’s side in 1969. Will hesucceed?
Novak is the best player on the tour period. When he is playing at one hundred percent of his powers, nobody can stop him. Only Nadal has a slight chance of beating him in Roland Garros -but that’s a different story-. So what can happen at Flushing Meadows?
There are three players who can reach the US Open Finals this year: Medvedev, Zverev and Djokovic. Depending on how the bracket turns out, one of them will be knocked out in the semifinals or earlier (they all can’t be on the same side of the bracket). Out of the two new comers, it all comes down to who between Medvedev and Zverev can beat the Djoker. Medvedev has the raw power to hit winners and displace Djokovic, and the attitute of playing with nothing to lose as we have successfully seen employed in the past by Murray and Wawrinka against Djokovic. Zverev, may not have what it takes.
However back in Melbourne we all witnessed how Novak was able to outsmart Medvedev and dismantled his game in a straight-sets victory. The difference is that if they play in New York, Novak will have a lot more pressure, which is something he has proved he is able to deal with.
Long story short, it’s a very close call, but overall I believe the finals will be Medvedev vs. Djokovic, and I am honestly giving a 50-5o chance to both.