Novak Djokovic ‘might be more susceptible’, but analyst warns not to expect left-field US Open winner

The 2020 US Open will be like no other and Novak Djokovic “might be more susceptible”, but TV analyst Patrick McEnroe insists we are unlikely to see a player “coming out of nowhere and winning the Open”.
There will be no spectators at this year’s US Open as well as the warm-up Western & Southern Open due to the coronavirus pandemic while players will be staying a bio-secure bubble for the duration of the two tournaments at Flushing Meadows.
Some high-profile players will also be absent in New York as defending champion Rafael Nadal as well as former champion Stan Wawrinka and world No 40 Nick Kyrgios pulled out due to the coronavirus pandemic while 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is out injured.
On top of that, the players who will feature are likely to be undercooked as they are coming off a five-month hiatus, leading to some pundits predicting one or two surprise results.
Novak Djokovic the ‘huge favourite’, but Brad Gilbert predicts ‘some crazy results’ at US Open
However, tennis analyst and former US Davis Cup captain McEnroe insists it is unlikely that a dark horse will win the 2020 US Open.
“The best players are going to be the best players,” he told ATPTour.com. “The cream will rise to the top.”
He added: “People say, ‘Oh, maybe someone’s going to come through and win the US Open’. Maybe someone who is like [Dominic] Thiem or [Stefanos] Tsitsipas who’s already there. I don’t see someone coming out of nowhere. That just doesn’t happen. I don’t see that happening.
“That’s not saying it’s a lock that Djokovic is going to win. You can certainly make the argument that he might be more susceptible. But I don’t see someone coming out of nowhere and winning the Open.”
McEnroe, though, admits some players might find it difficult to adapt after such a long layoff, especially at the first event back, the Western & Southern Open.
“You have to realise that the other players are in the same boat. It’s one thing when you’ve been out for five months with an injury and you come back and the other players are still match-tough and that’s frustrating for a player,” he said.
“But in this case, you’ve got to try to put your own expectations aside and say, ‘I’ve just got to play well enough to try to beat the guy who is in front of you’.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic reveals key to his iconic 2011 US Open return against Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic has recalled his famous forehand return against Roger Federer at the 2011 US Open and revealed the key to the shot.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic motivation will not change now he has 24 Grand Slams’
“I think this combination of the three elements is key and has been key in all his achievements since he started to play tennis.”
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray makes admission about his season as he looks for a ‘strong finish’
Andy Murray has given an assessment of his year and outlined his intent to have a “strong finish.”
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic is superior to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in key area’, claims renowned coach
“All three have the main qualities but some are better than others in some areas.”
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu outlines her ‘ultimate dream’ for when she returns to tennis
Emma Raducanu has revealed what her “ultimate dream” is for when she is able to return to tennis.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic recalls his favourite matches and the ‘highest level’ he has ever played at
Novak Djokovic has recalled some of the favourite matches he has played in his career
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz confirms next event as he targets Novak Djokovic’s No 1 ranking
Alcaraz pulled out of Spain’s Davis Cup team due to fatigue, but he will be back next week in China.
-
Tennis News
Being teammates with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic was ‘wonderful’ – Roger Federer
Roger Federer has hailed the Laver Cup “camaraderie” and appreciated being teammates with his great rivals.
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev builds his perfect tennis player, ft. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal
Daniil Medvedev has built his perfect tennis player, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and himself all featuring.