Bombarded by questions about his current fitness levels, Novak Djokovic couldn’t have asked for a better first week at the US Open.
After three rounds of the tournament, the world No.1 has only spent a total of three hours and eight minutes on the New York courts thanks to the misfortunes of his injured opponents Jiri Vesely and Mikhail Youzhny. His only test occurred in the first round, when he saw off the injury-stricken Jerzy Janowicz in four sets. Janowicz was playing in only his fifth tournament since January.
The relatively easy week has left more questions than answers for Djokovic as he prepares for a daunting encounter with rising star Kyle Edmund on Sunday night. Edmund has enjoyed a breakthrough at the tournament after his wins over top 20 players Richard Gasquet and John Isner. Blessed with one of the sharpest forehands on the men’s tour, the Brit has the weaponry to be problematic for the top seed. Nevertheless, Djokovic believes that his recent lack of match play is a blessing in disguise for him.
“Considering the stage of the season, the amount of matches I’ve played, what I’ve been through with my body, I think it’s actually good to have some days off and then shorter matches,” Djokovic said.
Leading into the final major of the year, Djokovic has been blighted by a wrist injury and lost in the first round of the Olympic Games to Juan Martin del Potro. The setbacks occur as his rival, Andy Murray, continues his dominance on the tour, losing just one match in four tournaments. Some have suggested that this period could be the start of the end to Djokovic’s dominance in the sport as his rivals close in. There is certainly evidence present to prove this, but it has done nothing to dent the mentality of the Serbian.
“I’m not too concerned about my game itself.” He declared on Friday. ”I’ve worked hard last couple days. Health-wise, I feel much better than I did at the beginning of the tournament. I’m confident that everything is going in the right direction.”
A couple months ago, the idea of the best player in the world struggling against a player ranked outside the top 50 (who doesn’t go by the name of del Potro) was unthinkable. This is however the situation Djokovic finds himself in now. For years, many knew that Edmund has a world-class game, but he never delivered on the premier stage until now. The breakthrough has sparked jubilation for British fans and apprehension for the Serbian camp.
“He’s obviously a great player. He’s tough to break down. Makes a lot of balls. Very quick around the court. He has lots of good abilities. He’s world No 1. He’s good in all areas,” Edmund said about Djokovic.
Djokovic will forever be one of the greatest champions in the modern era, but change is on the way as pundits calmly prepare themselves for a potential fourth round exit. Edmund might not even be the biggest challenge for the top seed on Sunday, that could be in the media room after the match if he loses to the talented 21-year-old.
The match between Novak Djokovic and Kyle Edmund will be the final night match taking place at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
