Novak Djokovic submitted and Alexander Zverev followed just hours later. After the world number one from Serbia, the management of the German top player also confirmed their commitment to the US Open (from August 31st) on Thursday evening. This should cause a big sigh of relief for the organizers of the Grand Slam tournament. After all, there was one prominent rejection after another.
“He is leaving on Saturday and will take part in the US Open,” Zverev’s Management Team 8 Global told the sports information service (Sid) on request: “He has been registered for around three weeks and has been completely in preparation mode since then.” Djokovic wrote on his website that the acceptance was “not an easy decision with all the obstacles and challenges on many points” for him. But he is looking forward to the prospect of entering the competition again.
Djokovic also confirmed his participation in the dress rehearsal Western and Southern Open (from August 22nd), which will also take place as a dress rehearsal in Flushing Meadows. Zverev is also on the entry list for the tournament.
Two big names in the industry, on the other hand, will be missing. The Spaniard Rafael Nadal, after all defending champion at the US Open, is fully focused on the European clay court season and a possible 13th title at the French Open (from September 27th). And Grand Slam record champion Roger Federer has already ended his season with a knee injury. In their absence, Djokovic has the great opportunity to get his 18th major title in New York and move closer to Federer (20) and Nadal (19).
But Zverev is also lurking. He wants to lift a trophy into the sky for the first time at one of the most important tennis tournaments in the world. The world number seven had made it to the semifinals at the Australian Open, the only Grand Slam event of the year to date. Djokovic triumphed in Melbourne. And want more.
He emphasized once again in January that the Grand Slam record is Djokovic’s greatest drive. “The Grand Slams are one of the main reasons that I still take part in competitions,” he said. “Of course I’m trying to become the historic number one, that’s a big goal.”
With their commitments to the US Open, Djokovic and Zverev could now also send a signal to other, still doubting professionals. The top German player Angelique Kerber is also on the entry list, but has so far avoided a firm commitment. Kerber had recently expressed safety concerns for himself and her team, and Zverev also made doubts.
Former tournament winners Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) or Nick Kyrgios had already canceled, and the women’s top ranking Ashleigh Barty (both Australia) and German number two Julia Görges will be missing. Defending champion Bianca Andreescu (Canada) also decided not to participate on Thursday evening.
Djokovic and Zverev, on the other hand, want to provide positive news in New York after a summer with lots of negative headlines. Especially with their appearances on the Adria tour co-organized by Djokovic in June, both had received heavy criticism. Djokovic became infected with the corona virus like other professionals. Zverev later caused additional irritation with party pictures.
Most recently, however, the focus around the Hamburger has shifted more to sporting issues. With the victory at an invitation tournament in Nice, he made for a first exclamation mark. He also announced his collaboration with former Spanish professional David Ferrer until the end of the year. The US Open will be the first big touchstone for the new duo.
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