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BELGRADE, SERBIA – JUNE 12: Dominic Thiem (L) of Austria and Novak Djokovic (R) of Serbia smile during an exhibition double match of the Adria Tour charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic, on June 12, 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
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BELGRADE, SERBIA – JUNE 12: Dominic Thiem (L) of Austria and Novak Djokovic (R) of Serbia smile during an exhibition double match of the Adria Tour charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic, on June 12, 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Austrian ace Dominic Thiem will unfortunately not defend his US Open title due to a wrist injury. However, he has claimed that World No.1 Novak Djokovic will surely replace him as the winner this year. If it happens, it will make up for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam for the Serbian.
At the Wimbledon tune-up event in Mallorca, Thiem injured his wrist while playing a forehand. Although it seemed minor at first, the injury has caused him to call off his entire 2021 season. Federer and Nadal have joined him in ending their 2021 campaigns.
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Hence, the US Open 2021 would once again host Novak Djokovic without FEDAL. Also, considering Thiem’s absence, he is admittedly the clear favorite to take the last Grand Slam title of the year.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a win during his Men’s Singles third round match against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany on Day Five of the 2020 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Read More: US Open 2021: Complete Breakdown of the Prize Money From Winner To Last-Place
Dominic Thiem sure about Novak Djokovic winning the Calendar Slam at US Open 2021
Notably, Djokovic has more than one record he can attain in New York this year. While he can get one title ahead of Federer and Nadal in the Most Grand Slams race, he could also become the first man since Rod Laver (1969) to win The Grand Slam.
To achieve The Grand Slam, a tennis player must win all four major tournaments in a single calendar year. So far, the 34-year-old Serb has won the first three, with only US Open left for him to conquer. For this, Thiem is positive that Djokovic will do it.
“I think Djokovic will do it. Because of the Grand Slam – he has such an incredible will, and because it is a chance of the century to win the Grand Slam. I think he will not miss the chance,” Thiem said.
(Quotes translated from German to English via Google Translate).
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts his men’s singles semi-final match against Kei Nishikori of Japan on Day Twelve of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Watch this story: A Look Inside Novak Djokovic’s $10 Million Mansion in Spain
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Despite being the favorite, winning any Grand Slam is easier said than done. Thus, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will again have to put forward his best tennis for the two weeks at Flushing Meadows.
As far as competition is concerned, Djokovic does have to worry about Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Indeed, it will be interesting to see the next-generation attempt to deny the Serb the US Open 2021 title.
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Only time will tell whether Djokovic will fulfill the ultimate task or not. Regardless, tennis fans will get to witness the highest level of tennis again from August 30.
Who is your favorite for the US Open this year?
