Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are racing with their colleagues for achieving the so-called GOAT status that is arguably defined by the slam titles won in singles. As both Novak and Serena are in the last part of their career, it’s imperative for them not to skip the upcoming slams. After so much uncertainty, the US Open had the go-ahead. Serena posted a video expressing her elation for the slam to be played. After venting his doubts, Djokovic seems to be more and more leaning toward playing the US Open this year.
Djokovic’s doubts
Talking to Eurosport’s Tennis Legends Podcast, the Serbian champion reiterated his original doubts about playing the slam. However, he sounded quite positive during the podcast when he expressed his happiness about the US Open to be staged.
“I think that a lot of people were skeptical, especially for the U.S. events considering what the U.S. went through as a country during this pandemic. So a lot of people, including myself, were quite skeptical about whether it would happen or not,” said Novak.
“We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete. Because at the end of the day, this is what we do. As tennis professionals we love the sport; we are passionate about it. We miss competing and traveling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So, I think this is very positive news,” he added.
Djokovic and Serena’s quests for greatness
Novak has 17 slams under his belt, 2 shy from Nadal (19) and 3 from Federer (20) and he is arguably expected to break Federer’s record. Serena has been chasing for long Margaret Court’s record of 24 slams. The American has 23 major titles and she has reached (but lost) 4 slam finals after her pregnancy. At 38 years of age, it’s important for Serena not to skip any major.
Novak Djokovic in 2020
Currently the world no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 29th of February when he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the final in Dubai to win his 79th career title.
Currently, this year Novak has a 18-0 win-loss record. Novak conquered 2 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open and in Dubai.
Serena Williams in 2020
At the moment ranked no.9, the American played her last match on the 8th of February when she surrendered to Anastasija Sevastova 7-65 3-6 7-64 in the Rubber 4 of the Fed Cup.
At present, this year the American has a 8-2 win-loss record. Serena Williams has won 1 title in Auckland.
Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams |
| Embed from Getty Images |
