by Bob Stockton
@BobStockton10
It’s been a long wait for tennis fans to see all their favourite stars lining up for a Grand Slam once again, but with the US Open tantalisingly on the horizon, the time has come to look forward to tennis’ first big event since the Australian Open way back in January. The New York event will commence on August 31st, and with so much of the sporting world put on hold during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, it’ll be great to see the return of Grand Slam tennis and the re-emergence of the players we love.
That said, some of the top players in the tennis betting odds will not be present at the competition, for a variety of reasons. In fact, both defending singles champions – Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu – will not be competing, citing concerns that the tournament is taking place too soon amid the still worrying coronavirus situation in the US.
The health situation is very complicated around the world with cases increasing and flare-ups,” Nadal commented. “This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.”
Andreescu tweeted: “After many discussions with those closest to me, I have made the difficult decision not to return to New York this year. I have taken this step in order to focus on my match fitness and ensure that I return ready to play at my highest level.”
While it’s unfortunate that neither defending champion will be in action trying to retain their crown, it paves the way for other players to take on the mantle. In terms of the men’s singles, the absence of Nadal will give Novak Djokovic hope that this could be the year in which he secures his fourth US Open title and his 18th Grand Slam.
Another factor which will give Djokovic confidence is the absence of Roger Federer. The Swiss player has been suffering from injuries and has decided to take some time off for surgery and to allow himself to recover. Federer has a rich history at the US Open, having won the event on five occasions, and so his absence will be a boost for Djokovic as he seeks to move closer to Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic caused controversy during lockdown by testing positive for Covid-19 after hosting a tournament in which other players were present, and so he may feel he has some making up to do to his fans, who see the Serbian player as a role model. Lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, but with a good showing in New York whatever ill will there is towards Djokovic may disappear.
With the return of tennis, Djokovic can focus all his attention on reaching that record held by Roger Federer – a record which both he and Nadal are desperately trying to beat. Nadal currently sits ahead of Djokovic on 19 Grand Slam titles, and every tennis tipster will see the upcoming US Open as the Serb’s chance to move to just one behind the Spaniard.
The question is whether that pressure heaped upon Djokovic as a result of Nadal and Federer’s absence will adversely affect his game. If he’s proved anything during his career, it’s that he is one of the best of all time in standing up to pressure and performing at his best through all challenges. In this golden age of tennis greats, every chance for Grand Slam success must be grasped, and Djokovic will be desperate to get his hands on that 18th title.
