“Nothing To Concern Him” – Martina Navratilova Confident About Novak Djokovic’s Chances at US Open

After an unexpected five months break, Tennis is returning to normal. Things are looking interesting with the Western and Southern Open (Cincinnati Masters 1000) going on and the US Open around the corner. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, USTA authorities are taking every possible precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. For this reason, there will be no audience for the game; only the essential personnel will be allowed. Many former players are arguing if this decision is good or bad. Despite all these precautions, many players, including defending champions Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu, withdrew for the tournaments. However, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Serena Williams are among the players. This week, another tennis legend weighed in on the situation.

Martina Navratilova Talks About Novak Djokovic

According to Tennis.com, 18-time Grand Slam champion, Martina Navratilova, went in for a dial-in press conference and gave a piece of her mind. She thinks the “no-crowd” factor will be important for the lower-ranked player. Top players are already used to it.

When asked whether Novak Djokovic, the only one of the Big 3, is playing solely for the sake of winning his 18th major title easily, She said –

“He would be the favorite anyway, as the No. 1 player in the world, and now with both Rafa and Roger not being there, he would be a big favorite, I would think,” Navratilova said. “His preparation is so meticulous. He leaves no stone unturned. With the new situation, I’m sure he would have had his team put their heads together and really try to find the best way to prepare under the circumstances.”   

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“He would get into it with the crowd. Now there’s nothing to concern him there so he can concentrate on just playing, not get upset that the crowd’s not on his side. I agree with him, he doesn’t deserve the level of non-support he gets. Anyway, it will be a little bit easier for him to stay focused in a way.”

Navratilova also said how not playing for so long will be a factor for everyone involved, be it a top player or not. However, she is definitely looking forward to experience tennis in the “new normal.”

US Open returns to the world on 31st August, live from USTA Billie Jean Tennis Centre, New York.