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“One or Two Majors for Next 2–3 Years”: Former Grand Slam Champion Makes Prediction on Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is inarguably one of the complete athletes in the tennis world. Although he crossed the 30-year-old mark three years back, Serbia World No.1 is still going at his best. Thus, Patrick McEnroe, former Davis Cup captain of Team United States, claims that he can continue to win major tournaments in the coming years.

Earlier this year, the 33-year-old Serbian won the Australian Open for a record-extending ninth time. Accordingly, Djokovic is now only two Grand Slam titles behind 20-time majors champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. However, McEnroe puts in front a condition for him to win at big tournaments ahead.

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Patrick McEnroe on stopping Novak Djokovic in Grand Slams

The 1989 French Open doubles champion, Patrick McEnroe, pointed out fitness and motivation as essentials for Novak Djokovic to keep winning big tournaments in the future. Moreover, he does not doubt that the Serbian in his possession of both things.

“If Djokovic can stay healthy and hungry – which it appears likely – he should be able to win one to two majors a year for the next two or three years,” McEnroe claimed.

Novak Djokovic
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Looking back, the retired American also criticised the other Australian Open 2021 finalist, Daniil Medvedev, for lack of strategy. He went on to explain what it takes to take down the Serbian ace in a major final.

Patrick continued, “He (Medvedev) had no game plan I could see. And he never signaled that he was willing to pay whatever physical price was required to win, which is what you have to do with Djokovic.”

Conclusively, the former doubles No.3 insisted on a ‘full package’ to beat the big three in Grand Slams. He added that not only are the top three guys physically better, but their racket skills are better.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Picks Roger Federer Over Rafael Nadal

What are Djokovic’s chances to win the French Open 2021?

Djokovic is currently amid his preparations for the upcoming clay-court major tournament, the French Open 2021. Concerningly, his failure in the following two events after Australia has put success in Paris in doubt.

Novak Djokovic
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 15, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his third round match against Britain’s Dan Evans REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

However, the Serbian ace is one of the few resilient players in five-set matches on red dirt. So, considering that he remains fit, Djokovic would be the second favorite for the title behind 13-time champion Rafa Nadal.

All in all, quality tennis is in place for the upcoming two months. Let us wait and see what the Serbian can achieve on clay this year.

Also Read: Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Skips Mutua Madrid Open, Prioritizes Hometown Event Ahead of the French Open 2021

The post “One or Two Majors for Next 2–3 Years”: Former Grand Slam Champion Makes Prediction on Novak Djokovic appeared first on EssentiallySports.