“Mentally He Is a Rock”: Two-Time French Open Finalist Feels Novak Djokovic Will Pull off US Open 2021 Title

Published 08/03/2021, 7:42 AM EDT

With the 2021 US Open a month away, Novak Djokovic could pull off the Calendar Grand Slam, a feat unprecedented since 1969 on the men’s side. Having won three back-to-back Grand Slam titles, the Serbian has been invincible this season.

However, the past week has been tumultuous for the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Going medal-less at the Tokyo Olympics in singles, then subsequently withdrawing from his bronze medal mixed doubles match citing a shoulder injury, it’s been an exhausting week for Djokovic.

Alex Corretja backs Novak Djokovic for the US Open

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Recently, in an interview, the two-time French Open finalist, Alex Corretja, talked about Djokovic’s chances of winning the US Open after an emotionally draining two weeks at the Olympics.

Corretja, former World No.2, feels Djokovic needs to recover fully before the start of the US Open and believes his mental toughness would help him in getting back stronger.

“Now he needs to rest and recover because it has been a blow. New York is one month away and we will see if he plays any tournaments, but he has shown that mentally he is a rock,” said Corretja.

In addition, Corretja mentioned that Djokovic would have extra motivation entering the US Open as aims to claim a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title and get past his arch-rivals, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, in the Grand Slam tally.

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“The motivation to place the 21st in his record in September is going to be so great that it will make a clean slate. Djokovic is going to continue winning Grand Slams because it is an out of series,” said Corretja.

With Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, the two Masters 1000 events leading up to the US Open, uncertainty looms around Djokovic’s participation. Last year, the Serbian won the Cincinnati Open by defeating Milos Raonic in the final.

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However, playing at Flushing Meadows would certainly bring back bitter memories of the infamous episode that happened at the last years’ US Open, when Djokovic inadvertently smacked a ball at a line’s judge which resulted in his disqualification.

Do you think Djokovic would be able to achieve the Calendar Grand Slam?

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Written by:

Kshitij Tayal is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having played district-level tennis competitions, Kshitij is also a tenured journalist of the sport with over four years of experience. At EssentiallySports, he pens down some thought-provoking pieces on players and tournaments across the ATP and WTA.

“Mentally He Is a Rock”: Two-Time French Open Finalist Feels Novak Djokovic Will Pull off US Open 2021 Title

Alex Corretja backs Novak Djokovic for the US Open

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