Step 2 of 7 to the Grand Slam: Novak Djokovic against Tallon Griekspoor
The second task of Novak Djokovic on his way to the calendar grand slam at the US Open 2021? Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Sep 02, 2021, 01:31 pm
Novak Djokovic was, to put it mildly, irritated by the behavior of the New York audience during his first-round match against Holger Rune. It is not entirely out of the question that the fans wanted to support the Danish outsider with a long drawn-out "Ruuuuuuuuuuune", but the TV experts from ESPN had rather booed the world number one. Which would be sad not only in view of the upcoming historic achievement by Djokovic.
Of course, Nole will take care of himself for a very short time and pick up where he left off against Rune. Namely, on days when things may not be going well in terms of play, simply occupying the opponent until his body raises the white flag. At Tallon Griekspoor, such a development cannot be ruled out, the Dutchman had to go over five demanding sets against Jan-Lennard Struff on Tuesday.
Djokovic no longer plays for money
Griekspoor, currently at position 121 in the ATP world rankings, will not be under any illusions. Before the start of the qualification, the 25-year-old from Haarlem would certainly have signed a second-round appearance in the main field, not only because of the 115,000 US dollars that he has already earned gross. Novak Djokovic, one can confidently assume that the coal has been honestly irrelevant for years, for him it is only about writing the next chapter in tennis history.
The experts in the USA have no doubt that the man from Belgrade will make it. The sporty as well as the atmospheric task. Because if there's one thing American fans love, it's celebrating the sport's milestones. And that in the second night session in a row for Novak Djokovic.
Here the single tableau in New York
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