“He’s Going to Do It”: John McEnroe Makes US Open 2021 Prediction for Novak Djokovic

The countdown to the much-awaited US Open enters its last course. Tennis fans across the globe gear up to see the world’s best battle it out for glory. Notably, making a return to the court, World No.1 Novak Djokovic is among the favorites to win the title. Despite his shocking exit from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, former tennis great, John McEnroe backs the Serbian to bag his 21st Grand Slam in New York.

Novak Djokovic has been in the form of his life this season. With all three titles already under his belt, he now prepares for a Calendar-Grand slam at the US Open. Notably, former American tennis player John McEnroe backs the 20-time Grand Slam champion to surpass his fellow ‘G.O.A.T’s, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and triumph on American soil.

“He’s going to win the tournament, that’s what I anticipate”- John McEnroe

Cutting short his break, Novak returned to the court, practicing behind the curtains for his comeback. John, who is backing the World No. 1 for success in New York, believes his prediction will come true as it has in recent times.

He said, “He’s going to win the tournament, that’s what I anticipate. I felt before Wimbledon started that he was going to win the Grand Slam. I felt like he was going to lose at the Olympics. To me, it’s going to be him against the field. I pick him right now.”

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 2 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 26, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his second round match against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany REUTERS/Mike Segar

Deemed unstoppable once, Novak faced brutal reality at the Summer Games. Despite being the favorite, he returned home empty-handed, with more news to his name. Explaining what went wrong for him, John said, “I felt like he was going to lose at the Olympics. The two-out-of-three format, just excessive travel, no fans, et cetera, I think contributed. I think the heat is the big thing.”

Watch This Story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

What happened to Novak Djokovic in Tokyo?

The conclusion of Tokyo 2020’s tennis event was nothing but dramatic. Over 2 days, Novak lost two semi-finals and one bronze medal clash, leaving fans in utter disbelief.  As they struggle to process his unfathomable loss, John details the possibility of seeing a repeat at the US Open and what factor will affect Novak the most.

He said, “The heat could be an issue for any player, any top player, any player for that matter. That could be a deciding factor if he were to lose to someone, if he got stuck in a situation where he was playing in really hot conditions like it’s going to be tomorrow if he was playing during the day.”

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/Edgar Su

Regardless, McEnroe is sure of Novak taking home the title and breaking a few records while doing so. “Otherwise I think he’s going to do it. Obviously can make things more interesting and exciting at this tournament, see if he can pull off something that’s not been done since Laver in ’69. Exciting,” John expressed.

With so much buzz around him, can Novak put his recent past behind and live up to everyone’s expectations? Or will he have to wait longer for his 21st Grand Slam?

Read more: Eugenie Bouchard Labels Novak Djokovic a ‘Cry Baby’ and Rafael Nadal a ‘Beast’

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