Novak Djokovic may ‘never win another Grand Slam’ in bid to take Federer and Nadal record

Tennis grand slams: Who is the greatest of all time?

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Novak Djokovic may “never win another Grand Slam” if he takes the US Open title this month, according to tennis expert Mats Wilander. The Serb has the chance to complete a rare calendar slam if he takes the title at Flushing Meadows, after the world number one’s wins at Melbourne, Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year.

Not only that but Djokovic would surpass both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in terms of the number of tennis’ four major tournaments won – the three are currently tied on 20 each.

The last man to complete a calendar slam was Rod Laver in 1969, and Djokovic is the favourite to repeat the feat this year with neither Federer nor Nadal competing through injury.

But Wilander believes the emergence of a swathe of younger talent in the game means the current world number one might struggle to win another Grand Slam after this one.

The chance to win a calendar Grand Slam will make him even more determined, if that is possible,” the Eurosport expert said.

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“I would not be surprised if he wins the US Open and then never wins another Grand Slam.

“The 21-thing is a heavy burden, and the calendar Grand Slam is a pleasure trip for him, the chance to do something that he thought he’d never have the opportunity to do.

“The chance to do this is why I make him the favourite to win the US Open.

“I think it will be very difficult for Novak to stay on top for too long, because these new players – Stefanos Tsitsipas, Zverev and Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov – there are so many physically good tennis players from that next generation.

“They are playing big games, they are taking risks, they are serving big, they play aggressive, they are physically bigger – though they don’t move as well and are not as mentally as strong – but I think it is going to be difficult for him.”

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Djokovic made it through his first round match unscathed at the US Open, but not without receiving a scare from rookie Holger Rune who won a second set tie-break at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Dane could not maintain that level for the whole game and Djokovic went on to a 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 victory, but the veteran admitted it was a “not ideal” start to his tournament.

That lapse against Rune, as well as Djokovic’s failure to win a medal at Tokyo 2020, will give hope to the rest of the draw the Serb can be beaten.

Wilander said: “I think what happened at the Olympics won’t have an affect on Novak Djokovic.

“But it will affect the other players. And they will be thinking if Carreno Busta can beat Djokovic for a medal, then “wow” – that is huge because Carreno Busta doesn’t have the same weapons as Zverev or Daniil Medvedev.”

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