The US Open is almost here.
Except this year won't be the same. Multiple players have opted out of the tournament, including Rafael Nadal. Roger Federer is also out, having undergone a second surgery on his right knee. But that leaves room for players seeking their first major, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem, to make the most of the situation.
Yet there is one player standing in their way: Novak Djokovic.
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I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at #CincyTennis and #USOpen this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited ???????????? https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4 pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 13, 2020
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The three-time US Open champion is the No. 1 seed and, statistically, the best player in the draw, with many fans already considering the title his to lose. The current world No. 1 has not played in an official ATP Tournament since February where, until that point, had been on an 18-0 winning streak and had won the Dubai and Australian Open titles.
Of the players expected to compete in New York, who has the best chance at stopping Djokovic: