Roger Federer has shared his thoughts on old rival Novak Djokovic, saying the Serbian always has a chance to win any tournament he enters, as Djokovic continues his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Federer, a five-time US Open champion, is back in Flushing Meadows for an exhibition match. The men's singles draw is wide open this year, with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner sidelined by a knee issue and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning from a four-month injury layoff.
Federer's high regard for Djokovic
“I mean, I feel like whenever Novak enters any tournament, for that matter, or a Major, he’ll be in it with a shot,” Federer declared.
“Anyway, that’s my opinion, I have very high regards of Novak. I’ve seen what he can do, not just once, not just here, not just there. He’s done it in every place and at the highest of levels, so I always think that as long as he’s in the draw, there’s a chance.
“And I think that’s also one of the reasons he’s still playing, because he actually must truly believe that he can still do it. That’s my opinion, too.”
Djokovic's recent form
It has been three years since Djokovic last won a Major, but he has still put himself in positions to win. Last year, he reached the semi-finals of all four Slams, and his Australian Open campaign was wrecked by a thigh injury that forced him to retire mid-match.
In January, the 39-year-old stunned two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in a late-night, five-set semi-final before finishing runner-up in Melbourne. Djokovic reached another Wimbledon semi last month, and Federer says it is “incredible” that his old rival keeps going.
He added: “I just think we played each other almost 50 times on all the different surfaces, on all the biggest courts. He was a pleasure to play against, incredible player, unbelievable fighter. Figured out his game, he became bigger and stronger, better, and it’s amazing that he’s still going. I’m very impressed.”
Djokovic has not won a match during this year’s North American hard-court swing, and threw up on court during a three-set, opening-round exit at the recent Cincinnati Open. The world No. 5 remains a dangerous prospect in best-of-five set matches at Majors.
