Many experts and former players believe Novak Djokovic is on track to win his 21st Slam and establish himself as the leader of the pack among the Big 3 (Djokovic himself, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal). Eurosport expert Mats Wilander is among the former players to have recently spoken about Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-setting Calendar Slam.
Wilander, a former World No. 1 and winner of seven Majors, believes the Serb is the favorite to win the US Open this year. However, the Swede also claimed that Djokovic might find it difficult to keep winning Slams once he has broken the record.
Mats Wilander further noted that although Novak Djokovic is dominant on hardcourts right now, in the years to come it will be easier for him to win on clay and grass. The Swede claimed hardcourts are the favorite surface for most young players, which would make it difficult for the Serb to continue winning there.
Wilander also pointed out that the new generation of players are learning to incorporate more risk in their games, and that they are physically stronger than their predecessors. The Swede believes that although the new generation may lack mental toughness, they are definitely contenders.
“I think what happened at the Tokyo Olympics won’t have an effect on Novak Djokovic” - Mats Wilander
Novak Djokovic had a disappointing campaign at the Tokyo Olympics, where he lost in the semifinals to Alexander Zverev and then went down to Pablo Carreno Busta in the bronze playoff. While Mats Wilander believes that will not affect the Serb himself at the US Open, it would have given hope to the other players in the draw that they have a chance of defeating the World No. 1.
Novak Djokovic’s quest for the US Open title begins with his first-round clash against Holger Rune on Tuesday. If the Serb does manage to win the Calendar Slam, he will join the exclusive club of Margaret Court, Steffi Graff and Rod Laver, as the only tennis players to have done so in the Open Era.
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