Google News Evgeny Kafelnikov 'rooting' for Novak Djokovic to make tennis history at US Open
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3110
Former world No. 1 Evgeny Kafelnikov would absolutely love to see a Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev clash at the US Open. Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, clashed world No. 4 Zverev at this past Tokyo Olympics. Djokovic was in control of the match but Zverev refused to give up and he ended up recovering from a set and a break down to beat the Serb in the Tokyo Olympics semifinal.
Djokovic is now aiming to win the Us Open and become the first player since 1969 to win all four Grand Slams in the same year. Kafelnikov hopes Djokovic will achieve the feat and added that nobody would achieve that again in 100-200 years.
"I hope he can. Because of the history, I want to see the Calendar Slam, like many of Novak's fans, but not only his, but also the tennis fans, because it's about history," Kafelnikov said in an interview with Sport Klub, when asked if Djokovic could beat Zverev if the two met at this year's US Open.
"No one will do that in the next 100-200 years. Just as I won the Slam in singles and doubles, no one will do that for a very long time. I want to see that, but as you said, it will be a very difficult match against Zverev.
Sascha has drastically improved in the last six months - play, maturity… I hope we will see that clash, it will be difficult for Novak."
Djokovic making progress at the US Open
On Saturday, Djokovic recovered from a set down to beat Kei Nishikori and make the US Open round-of-16.
Djokovic has struggled a bit so far in the tournament, dropping one set against Holger Rune in the first round and against Nishikori in the third round, respectively. However, Djokovic is still the top favorite to win the US Open.
Djokovic is aiming to make his ninth final at the US Open. Djokovic made it all the way at the US Open in 2011, 2015 and 2018.