2018 US Open Top Picks: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is playing some solid tennis. After playing good tennis in Rome and Paris, Djokovic consolidated his comeback by winning his 4th Wimbledon title and winning his first Cincinnati Title against Roger Federer and completing the golden masters. He enters the US Open in prime form and looking to add a 14th trophy in his cabinet.

Novak reunited with Vajda and Gritsch back in April, a month after which he posted his semifinal appearance in Rome and played a competitive match against an in-form Rafael Nadal.

Improvements in fitness

After Djokovic got with Pepe Imaz, his fitness took a hit, along with his footwork, court positioning, balance and groundstrokes. His serve was never a weapon, but Novak found himself with an even weaker serve after his elbow issues. However, over the past few weeks, the change in physique that was becoming apparent during Wimbledon has improved further in the month since, with his shoulders and chest packing a lot more muscle than we’re used to seeing. In an interview, Vajda revealed that his diet was one of the first things they worked on and that they got Djokovic to a decent level fairly quickly. With how things are going, it seems forward is the only direction for Novak.

Cincinnati victory can be crucial

Cincinnati was always the title that eluded Novak. He lost 3 times to Roger Federer and twice to Andy Murray. He had never won a set in the final ever. He seemed to have little trouble in dispatching his old nemesis and (perhaps) pal Roger Federer in straight sets. His mental strength has improved leaps and bounds from his losses in Indian Wells and Miami. To say Djokovic is confident would be an understatement: He’s won all 4 slams and all 9 masters after his win in Cincinnati. Hopefully, this doesn’t trigger another 2016 French Open-esque scenario where he falls off.

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US Open is his worst slam

And it’s also the slam where he has reached the most finals (7). To say that Novak is poor in the US Open wouldn’t be fair, however, his record in the finals (2-5 W-L) is very poor. Whether or not he’ll be able to temper expectations, nerves and clinch the title will be difficult to decide seeing the competition he faces in the form of an in-form Rafa, the underdog (because of his slump in form) Roger Federer, Wawrinka, who’s in his own comeback and has been playing solid. Then there’s Zverev, Shapovalov, Tsitsipas and the others like Cilic, Anderson, Nishikori, Kyrgios etc who can also challenge Novak.

Either way, expect a deep run from Novak. Perhaps even till the final.