Novak Djokovic’s run to the Wimbledon title could only be the start of his success in major tournaments, according to two former Champions.
On Sunday Djokovic claimed his first major title since 2016 at Wimbledon after defeating Kevin Anderson in straight sets. The triumph occurred just seventh months after he returned to the tour. Last year Djokovic was sidelined for six months due to an elbow injury. He also underwent surgery to treat the issue earlier this year. During that time he also made several changes to his coaching team.
“There were several moments where I was frustrated and questioning whether I could get back on the desired level or not,” Djokovic said after winning his 13th grand slam title. “I am grateful to go through these mixed emotions, moments of doubt and disappointment and frustration, anger.”
There was one time where the Serbian was untouchable on the tour. Between 2015-2016 he won 18 titles on the ATP World Tour and achieved a career grand slam prior to his injury woes.
The resurgence of Djokovic is one that former coach Boris Becker thinks will continue. Becker mentored the 31-year-old between 2013-2016. Looking to the future, the former world No.1 has backed his fellow pupil to add to his title collection heading into the US Open. A tournament he has already won on two previous occasions.
“I think there’s no reason for him not to go on a run now.” Becker told Fox Sports Australia.
“He just needed to finish this tournament as a winner — unexpectedly this early in his comeback. Now with the hardcourt season is coming up. It’s his favourite surface and his most successful tournament is the US Open.
“There’s no reason he shouldn’t be winning majors on a regular basis for the next two to three years.”
Becker is not the only person tipping Djokovic for more success in the future. 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek has declared him the ‘title favourite’ at the US Open, barring injury. During an interview with Omnisport, the Dutchman believes Djokovic could be starting another period of being unbeatable on the tour.
“Djokovic can win the next six grand slams for me,” Krajicek told Omnisport.
“It’s just matches [he needs]. For me already he’s the title favourite, if he doesn’t get injured, for the US Open.
“You see it a little bit in the matches against [Kei] Nishikori and Nadal, he’s just not consistently mentally there. He gets a little bit upset and maybe feels the pressure.
“He had a match point [against Marin Cilic] in Queen’s and didn’t make it, so he’s not there. But once he gets a couple more tough, tough matches under his belt by the time of the US Open, I think he’s going to be unbeatable again.”
In the history of the sport, only three players have won more grand slam titles than Djokovic. The trio are Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (17) and Pete Sampras (14). This week he re-entered the top 10 for the first time since November in 10th place.
