Tennis icon Boris Becker has delivered a sobering assessment of Novak Djokovic's US Open prospects, warning that the Serbian champion faces an uphill battle in his title defence without adequate competitive preparation.
The stark warning comes after Djokovic's unexpected withdrawal from the Canadian Open, raising serious questions about his readiness for the final Grand Slam of the season. Becker, who previously coached Djokovic to six major titles, emphasised the critical importance of match practice before the Flushing Meadows showdown.
Becker's Grave Concerns
Speaking on the Eurosport podcast, Becker didn't mince words: "If he doesn't play any matches before the US Open, then I'd be very sceptical about his chances of winning in New York. You can't just show up at a major and expect to win - even if you're Novak Djokovic."
The German legend highlighted the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level, noting that match fitness cannot be replicated in training sessions alone. This concern is particularly relevant given Djokovic's recent surgery and extended recovery period.
The Road to Recovery
Djokovic's journey back to competitive tennis has been anything but smooth. The 24-time Grand Slam champion underwent knee surgery following his French Open withdrawal, which subsequently forced him to miss Wimbledon - a tournament where he was considered the overwhelming favourite.
Becker acknowledged the severity of the situation: "The fact that he had to have an operation after Paris and then couldn't play Wimbledon says it all. That's not a little thing, that's a serious injury."
The Cincinnati Hope
All eyes now turn to the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, where Djokovic is expected to make his comeback. Becker stressed the tournament's importance: "He has to play Cincinnati. That's an absolute must. He needs matches, he needs confidence."
The Ohio tournament represents Djokovic's final opportunity to gain crucial match practice before the US Open begins on August 26th. Without competitive action in Cincinnati, his chances of mounting a successful title defence appear significantly diminished.
A Changing Landscape
Becker also pointed to the evolving competitive landscape, with younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner establishing themselves as genuine threats. The days of Djokovic dominating without adequate preparation are over, according to his former coach.
The tennis world now holds its breath, waiting to see whether the Serbian maestro can overcome his physical challenges and mount another serious challenge for Grand Slam glory in New York.
