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NBA Superstar Heaps Praise on ‘Amazing’ Novak Djokovic After US Open 2021 Performance

Published 09/09/2021, 11:20 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

World No.1 Novak Djokovic continues to run riot in the 2021 US Open, in his bid for the Calendar Slam. On Wednesday night, the Serbian came from a set down to defeat Italian Matteo Berrettini on Arthur Ashe stadium. His performances have left the world spellbound, wondering if the man has any limits. Sporting greats from all over have been in admiration of the No.1 player, and another top name has been added to this list.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young wowed by Djokovic

USA Today via Reuters

In his quarterfinal clash against Berrettini, the 20-time Grand Slam champion looked to be in some trouble after the first set. As the match progressed at a very high level, Djokovic shifted gears very soon. He countered the hammer-like power of the Italian with some finesse of his own. Like he admitted himself after the match, Novak Djokovic played three of his best sets at Flushing Meadows after going down. In the end, he claimed a 5-7 6-2 6-2 6-3 victory.

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With the tournament taking place in New York, the spotlight was well and truly on the World No.1. Famous NBA star Trae Young also watched from home, and was impressed with Djokovic’s impeccable game. Interestingly, as the 34-year-old was racing towards a win, Young did not hesitate to shower praises on Djokovic. In a social media post, the Atlanta Hawks attacker wrote, “Yo @djokernole [Novak Djokovic] so tough. This is amazing.” 

Will Novak Djokovic achieve the Calendar Slam?

Having a dream run in 2021, Novak Djokovic is yet to lose a match at the majors this year. He has already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon in fine fashion. The only missing piece of top quality silverware from his cabinet is the Olympic Gold, which was won by German Alexander Zverev. Interestingly enough, the 4th seed is Djokovic’s opponent in the US Open semifinal.

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The Serbian machine will face Zverev for the second time in quick succession, having lost to him in Tokyo. In that match, Novak was up by a set and break, but fell flat from there. He still holds a superior head-to-head record vs Zverev, but it will be a mountainous task. If he can go past the German challenge, a clash against either rising Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime or 2nd seed Daniil Medvedev awaits in the final. These will be two of the most important matches for Djokovic this year, as he aims to etch his name in the record books once more.

USA Today via Reuters

Are you also just as impressed with Novak Djokovic’s unbelievable tennis? Do you think he will hold all 4 majors together at the end of it all? Only time will tell.

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is a tennis and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football, and table tennis. Apart from his professional desires, Sankalp does voluntary service with his friends to feed hungry animals on a regular basis.
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