“He Will Have a Bad Day”: Pablo Carreno Busta Optimistic Ahead of Novak Djokovic Battle at US Open 2020

Novak Djokovic is sailing through the draw so far at the US Open 2020. He had a minor hiccup in the second round against Kyle Edmund where he dropped a set. Other than that, he has certainly lived up to his billing, much like most years. He now faces Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round on Sunday.

The Spaniard is an experienced campaigner and a former top-10 player. The prospect of facing the world number one, who remains unbeaten so far this year, looms large on Carreno Busta. However, the 20th seed is aware of what he needs to do to have a chance against Novak Djokovic. He also hopes the top seed has a bad day when they meet.

Carreno Busta speaks about uphill task against Novak Djokovic

“Novak is playing amazing tennis. Probably the hardest task at this moment, but there are always options. Maybe he will have a bad day,” Carreno Busta said on the eve of the match. “Key for me is to be absolutely focused, especially in the beginning of the match.”

The 6-3, 6-4 scoreline of Djokovic’s previous match with Carreno Busta at 2019 Western and Southern Open does not suggest a close contest. However, the Spaniard believes the match was much closer than it seems.

“Our last match both sets were close, but he knows how to play the big points. He is more experienced than me.”

Djokovic has won all the pair’s three contests so far. Carreno Busta’s only piece of success came when he took a set off the Serbian star, three years ago at Monte Carlo.

Finding form at the right time

Speaking about his chances, Carreno Busta feels his game is now on the level he desires it to be. “I feel comfortable. Last two sets against Berankis I’ve played on a desired level,” he explained.

The 29-year-old found form in his second and third-round matches at the US Open 2020. He defeated Mitchell Krueger and Ricardas Berankis comfortably in those matches, respectively. This followed a five-set battle in the first round against Yasutaka Uchiyama.

Apart from the match against Edmund, Novak Djokovic has looked in ominous form. He dropped a mere 13 games in his other two matches combined.