Google News 'I never thought Novak Djokovic would catch Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal,' says..
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 13720
Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are the top favorites to meet in the US Open final and fight for the season's last Major crown. The top seeds have reached the third round following four victories over the lower-ranked rivals, with more challenging encounters standing in front of them in the next couple of days.
Daniil praised Novak and everything he has achieved in the previous decade, earning many records and matching his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. If he wins five more matches in New York, Novak will become the leader of the pack with 21 Major titles and a proud owner of the third calendar Grand Slam in tennis history, the first since 1969.
When he was younger, Daniil could not think about Novak reaching the level of Roger and Rafa, trailing too many Majors behind them and not winning any between the Australian Open 2008 and 2011. The latter season proved to be a game-changer for the Serb, claiming three Major trophies and conquering the ATP throne after Wimbledon.
Djokovic has been a player to beat in the past decade, securing six year-end no. 1 honors and winning 19 Major crowns to leave Federer and Nadal far behind. Producing an incredible level of tennis at all four most notable tournaments year after year, Novak has won over half of all Majors since Wimbledon 2014.
Daniil Medvedev praised Novak Djokovic and his achievements.
The Serb has also claimed eight of the previous 12 to reach the magical number of 20 and become a favorite to finish the GOAT race ahead of Federer and Nadal.
At 34, Novak is eager to play on a high level for a few more years and break every tennis record, confident in his abilities and constantly working on his mental and physical strength. Alongside his rivals, Djokovic will have to deal with pressure in the remaining five matches at the US Open, trying to bounce back from the Tokyo Olympics setback and earn the ultimate honor.
"Novak Djokovic is amazing. Like other tennis fans, when I was a kid, I thought Novak is a great player capable of winning a couple of Majors but not on the level of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. As we saw, Novak was capable of breaking almost all the records in the past decade," Daniil Medvedev said.