After the disappointment of losing the 2023 Wimbledon final, Novak Djokovic will be looking to bounce back for the final Grand Slam event of the year at the US Open.
Time and time again, Djokovic has responded to the frustration of defeat and the Serbian star will once again be a formidable figure at Flushing Meadows.
Chance Of A Clean Sweep Slips By Again
Djokovic has been determined to land a clean sweep of the four Grand Slam events in a single year but once again the feat has slipped through his fingers. The 36-year-old, who is +160 in a bet on sports to win Wimbledon in 2024, was on course for a clean sweep this year after victory at both the Australian Open and French Open.
However, Djokovic, who is +220 in the tennis odds to win the French Open next year, fell short in the final at Wimbledon. To be denied an eighth Wimbledon title came as a bitter disappointment for Djokovic, who will be determined to get back to winning ways at a Grand Slam event as quickly as possible.
Following Djokovic’s defeat at SW19, the veteran pulled out of the Toronto Masters and reported fatigue as the reason for his withdrawal. The Serb has enjoyed plenty of happy moments at the Toronto Masters after winning the competition on four previous occasions. However, after speaking with his coaching team, Djokovic felt it was the right decision to miss the tournament in Canada this year.
Expect A Backlash In New York
With Djokovic looking to rest up and be fresh for the final Grand Slam of the year at the US Open, it should be a warning sign for his rivals ahead of the event in New York City at the end of August.
The US Open has not been Djokovic’s most successful slam event over the years but he has still managed to win the competition on three previous occasions in 2011, 2015, and most recently in 2018.
Considering his success on the hard courts of the Australian Open, where he has won the title 10 times, it’s a little surprising that similar success has not followed at the US Open. After the rigors of the season, Djokovic seems to have run out of steam in the final Grand Slam of the year.
With a break after Wimbledon and with perhaps a point to prove, rival players should be wary of what Djokovic can produce at the US Open this year. Having moved ahead of rival Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam title record with 23, Djokovic will be determined to pull further ahead in New York.
Nadal is unlikely to play at the US Open due to injury and the event provides another opportunity for Djokovic to extend his lead over his Spanish rival. Missing out on the Toronto Masters might well stand him in good stead for the challenges that Flushing Meadows will offer up.
It has already been another impressive year for Djokovic but after the disappointment of Wimbledon, the legend of the game will be looking to finish 2023 on a high in New York City.
