Former British tennis star Tim Henman feels that Novak Djokovic is still a favourite for the upcoming US Open. While speaking to the PA news agency, Henman highlighted Djokovic’s impeccable form in the Grand Slams.
However, he also fears that the pressure of the Calendar Grand Slam may get to the Serb. Djokovic was keen to win the Olympic gold medal in an attempt for the Calendar Golden Slam. But the pressure of the big occasion got to him and he lost the semifinal against Alexander Zverev and bowed out of the Summer Games without even getting the bronze medal. So the pressure may even get to him during the US Open.
“There’s no doubt that Djokovic is the clear favourite, his form in the Majors has been incredible – it speaks for itself,” said Tim Henman.
The Brit has highlighted how Djokovic is very versatile across all surfaces and it makes him one of the complete players.
“To play so well on hard courts, clay courts, grass courts, I think it really emphasises what a complete player he is,” Henman said.
Henman highlighted how Djokovic has been extremely consistent over the years. He also claims that all other players will also look to beat the Serb as he is close to a historic feat. Given the stakes involved Djokovic will also be under immense pressure and the Olympic defeat will also be on the back of his mind.
“So when I reflect on the chances of him completing all four I think it’s Djokovic against the field,” Henman said. “But I think also the plus one in the occasion is history.”
“There’s no doubt as a student of the game that he’s very aware of what’s on the line,” he added. “So it’ll be interesting to see how he deals with the opposition on the other side of the net but also internally because it’s a massive opportunity. I think it’s going to make it a fascinating fortnight,” the former player continued.
Only two male tennis stars have achieved the feat of Calendar Grand Slam and they are Rod Laver and Don Budge. Laver has achieved it twice in 1962 and then in 1969. Whereas Budge clinched it in 1938. In women’s singles Maureen Connolly (1953), Margaret Court (1970), and Steffi Graf (1988) have achieved the historic feat. Therefore, if Djokovic manages to achieve it then he will be among the best in the sport.
