The Australian Open 2020 is just around the corner, and once again the clear favorites for the title are the three liege lords of tennis. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are as fit as a fiddle, and they do not seem to allow anyone else to join their major-club. The ‘Big Three’ have an unprecedented dominance on the Grand Slam courts for more than a decade and a half, and no one seems to break their victory-rhythm. Also over the past three years, the trio has rotated major titles amongst themselves. And this Australian summer, it seems unlikely that a new face will lift a major trophy in the upcoming fortnight in Melbourne.
“They’re that good” – Roger Federer
Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic might add one more Slam to their account. However, the Swiss maestro is certain about his arch-rivals surpassing his personal Grand Slam tally.
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“I think the way it’s going, obviously, Rafa and Novak will win more,” Roger Federer told The Associated Press in Dubai. “Because they’re that good. And the season they had (in 2019), again, shows that there is more to come for them.”
Australian Open 2020 – Big Three’s route to the finals
Taking a look at their paths in Melbourne, World Number three Federer and Djokovic are likely to set up a semifinal showdown on the Rod Laver Arena. Before meeting the Serb, Federer might face John Millman and Grigor Dimitrov in the earlier rounds. He is projected to meet Matteo Berrettini in the last-eight round.
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The defending champion Djokovic has been given a challenging opener. He will face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. He needs to clear the Diego Schwartzman test in the fourth round to take on the reigning semifinalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarters.
Meanwhile, Nadal can set up a match against Nick Kyrgios or Karen Khachanov, in the fourth round. After the tough battle against either of them, Rafa might be in a collision against Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals. Post his win his, the machine-like opponent Daniil Medvedev will be waiting for Rafa in the semis.
After storming past his tough opponents in Melbourne, Nadal might set up the final-showdown against Federer or Djokovic
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Know More – Australian Open 2020 Draw Revealed: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on Collision Course