US Open 2021- Can Zverev stop Novak from attaining Greatness ?

Image courtesy- The Guardian

In response to Andy Roddick's Tweet the other night- "First he takes your legs...then he takes your soul", Novak responded by saying- "I don’t take anybody’s souls... But I’ll take your legs out, that’s for sure” 

Although that statement came as a joke from the Serbian, it had a deep message engraved for his rivals- “That you better be prepared for a long battle when you face me next time and it will not just be a physical one; it will take every ounce of energy from your body for keeping up with one of the greatest athletes in any sport”

Video Courtesy- You Tube

As its evident in this video how he turned this rally around with his athleticism and unparalleled determination. 

Since time immemorial, we have seen Djokovic turning around a match like a flip of a coin like his other great rival – Rafael Nadal would often do. Since Rafa is well passed his prime now and Roger Federer is on verge of retirement, Djokovic is benefitting from this inexperienced young field. Agree that we have a great talent pool in form of Zverev, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Thiem, Berrettini and more and one of them will rule ATP world someday but it’s a long shot before one of them can take up the mantle from the great Serbian and starts winning the grand slams which have been dominated by Big 3 in last one and a half decade.

 

Image courtesy- The Guardian

Alexander Zverev is one such player who has given Novak run for his money many a times in past; Latest being in London Olympics semifinal where the No 1 was well on course to win the Gold and would have a shot to achieve Golden Slam but Sascha spoiled the party and has been in imperious touch since then.

They both are again pitted against each other in this year’s US Open Semifinal. The biggest question is – Is Zverev ready to take it to next level this time? After tasting the defeat in closely fought final in last year’s edition where he led 2 sets to love and served for the match in fifth set at 5-3. It looks more like a mental hurdle for him which he must overcome sooner or later but the player on the other side is a different challenge altogether and is on the verge of creating history in men’s tennis.

Novak will be closer to winning 21^st grand slam; the most in men’s tennis and it will be second time in open era that a player will be winning a calendar slam (that too on 3 different surfaces) so he is motivated to achieve this feat and up for any challenge. We have seen that he is a different animal when the stakes are higher and has turned the tables umpteen times in his career. Irrespective of the result, this match promises to be a cliffhanger which will be full of long rallies and emotional outbursts.

It remains to be seen how Zverev adjusts his game against a tactical genius who is so skilled in exploiting rival’s weaknesses. Sascha’s serve is going to be crucial in this match and will be tested against one of the greatest returners in history of game. If he maintains his high 1^st serve percentage then its going to be difficult for Novak to find an opening in this match.

Novak will definitely be waiting to avenge his defeat in Olympics and would have ironed out his shortcomings by now. Lets see if he continues to take legs of his opponent or we see a role reversal this time around.

My prediction is its Novak who is going to prevail in 4 or 5 sets but be ready for a blockbuster of a match which will be remember for ages to come.