Why not Novak?
With Rafael Nadal crumbling before our eyes, Roger Federer ready for his 35th birthday next summer and Andy Murray still with back issues, why can’t Novak Djokovic be in this position a year from now to win the first Grand Slam by a male since Rod Laver’s 1969?
“I sincerely hope from your mouth to God’s ears,’’ said Djokovic, who plays his first-rounder on Monday’s opening day on Arthur Ashe Stadium’s court against Brazil’s Joao Souza. “That is the only thing I can say. I’ve been close and that gives me enough reason to believe that I can achieve that.’’
If Djokovic wins the U.S. Open, that would make three of the four 2015 majors in his possession — losing only to an out-of-his-mind Stan Wawrinka in the French Open finals.
It was once a reach to predict a men’s Grand Slam any time soon because of Nadal’s French Open dominance. But Nadal looks to be on the decline, all the mileage, marathon points and 4-hour matches catching up to his body. He hasn’t won the French since 2013.
Djokovic routed Nadal in straight sets last June in the French quarterfinals. Nadal followed that up with a humiliating second-round defeat to a qualifier at Wimbledon.
Djokovic also won three Slam titles in 2011, but he’s fitter in 2015. His frame looks like that of an Olympic track star.
“I’m trying to win, there is no secret,’’ Djokovic said of entering next year’s Open with the same chance Serena Williams has now. “I’m trying to win every Grand Slam that I play. I set myself up for high standards because of the results I’ve had the last couple of years. I’m an ambitious guy, and I devote myself completely to this sport. Of course, everybody goes through ups and downs and difficult times, but generally it motivates me to always be at the Grand Slams and perform my best. Will that happen or not? I cannot predict and say yes or no, but I can definitely tell you that I give my best.’’
Djokovic repelled Federer in the Wimbledon final, but there’s a new buzz for the Swiss Maestro because of his revenge win over the Serbian earlier this month in suburban Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Open final. A giant amount of hype never seems to swirl for Djokovic in Flushing. His rock-solid, defensive-baseline power game is enormously effective, but doesn’t inspire poetry like Federer’s strokes do.
Yet Djokovic has been the most dominant of the Big Four since 2011. He’s also been No. 1 in the world since winning Wimbledon in 2014 — 162 straight weeks. He has nine Slam titles and at 27, it’s not inconceivable he can make a run at Federer’s record 17, especially if Nadal continues to fade.
Djokovic is hoping to see Serena cop the Grand Slam first.
“In order to achieve that, you really have to be committed at your highest abilities throughout the year, especially French Open and Wimbledon, which are just a couple of weeks [apart], and that’s the most difficult period,’’ Djokovic said. “I’m bringing her good vibes, I hope she does it. She’s a true champion, and it’s impressive what she’s managed to do so far at her age.’’
Since winning Wimbledon, Djokovic lost in the finals in two Open tune-ups, to Murray in Montreal and Federer in suburban Cincy. That has given the appearance any one of the Big Four — except Nadal, who was completely overpowered in Montreal two weeks ago by Kei Nishikori — can win this.
Djokovic said his 14 matches since Wimbledon are only a benefit.
“It’s quite a lot [of matches],’’ Djokovic said. “I feel like I’m well prepared for New York. Confidence is still there. Obviously I lost two finals, but they were both better those days. This is where of course I was setting up my form to be at its peak.’’
The Big Four has won 38 of the past 42 majors — with last year’s Nishikori-Marin Cilic Open final a giant aberration. The one thing for sure is no American will be alive in the final eight. An American man hasn’t made the fourth round the past two U.S. Opens. The state of American men’s tennis is still a disgrace.
John Isner, who turned 30, is seeded 13th, but nobody sees a big run there. The USTA still is pumping up its young guys emerging from juniors such as Frances Tiafoe, who has an automatic wild card into the main draw after winning the USTA’s 18-and-under.