via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Bronze medal match – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno of Spain REUTERS/Mike Segar
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Bronze medal match – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno of Spain REUTERS/Mike Segar
After missing out on the Golden Slam at Tokyo Olympics, Novak Djokovic decided to take an extended leave from tennis. To do so, he withdrew from the Rogers Cup and the Cincinnati Masters event. Even so, he is looking forward to playing and competing at the US Open 2021.
Recently, Djokovic informed his fans that he would not be participating in the Western and Southern Open. However, he clarified that his eyes are still set on the Grand Slam title in New York.
via Getty
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)
Djokovic tweeted, “Dear Nole Fam, I wanted to share with you that I am taking a bit longer to recover after quite a physically taxing journey from Australian Open to Tokyo. Sadly, this means I won’t be ready to compete in Cincinnati this year, so I’ll be turning my focus to the US Open and spending more time with my family.
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“Can’t wait to see you in New York soon!”
❤️ @CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/J1N19eKOp4
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 9, 2021
So, yes, 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will play at the upcoming US Open 2021. Moreover, he will be going all-in for the Calendar Grand Slam achievement.
The tournament will start on August 30 and run until September 12. As usual, the Flushing Meadows will host the final annual Grand Slam event.
Watch this story: A Look Inside Novak Djokovic’s $10 Million Mansion in Spain
What’s at stake for Novak Djokovic at US Open 2021?
In the 2021 season, Djokovic has won the Australian Open, the French Open, and the Wimbledon Championships title. In addition, if he also manages to win the US Open, he will have all the four major tournaments of 2021 to his name;he will have completed a Calendar Grand Slam. Only Australian legend Rod Laver has completed such a feat, that too twice.
Reminder: Novak Djokovic will enter the US Open attempting to become the first man to win the Grand Slam since 1969.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 30, 2021
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Moreover, Djokovic is now equal with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slams each. Hence, a victory in New York would make him the man with the Most Grand Slam titles.
via Getty
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)
All in all, the Serbian World No.1 has a lot to win and lose at the final major tournament of 2021. But there are many top players standing between him and all he seeks to achieve.
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Only time will tell who becomes successful. Will Djokovic win the Calendar Grand Slam, or someone will stop him from that?
Read More: HAPLESS! Stan Wawrinka to Skip US Open 2021, but Benefits Andy Murray
