After the conclusion of the first-round matches at the US Open 2021, what was perhaps the biggest talking point in the lead-up to this tournament remains as such. Will the man on the ultimate mission be able to reach arguably the greatest height ever in the sport in question and take sole ownership of the all-time Major record by clinching the elusive No.21? Will the red-hot Serbian continue extending his perfect record in Majors this year and come within five wins of that?
As much as Novak Djokovic’s second-round match revolves around him, one must also pay heed to his opponent, Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Due to the juggernaut in the form of Covid issues, his journey to the Open was all but finished as he had been unable to secure a travel visa. However, the USTA stepped up at the last minute and helped him gain direct entry into a Major for the first time in his career.
In an interview with ATP.com, Griekspoor said,
The answer was just, ‘No, it’s not possible.’ There were problems with the embassy in Holland [because of] Covid. There was just no time. Last Monday I decided, ‘Let’s go, we’re going to practise on clay.’ Tuesday and Wednesday I was practicing on clay. Thursday I got an email from the USTA and they worked it out so I was good to go.
Despite having practiced only on clay courts prior to his arrival at Flushing Meadows, Griekspoor managed to pull off a very tricky first-round match against Germany’s 52-ranked Jan Lennard Struff. Though he did cough up 7 double faults, he still managed 30 aces and saved no less than 15 breakpoints. That, combined with getting 68 percent of his first serves in, was just enough to edge him past his German opponent in a five-set thriller with the score: 2-6, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
This victory ought to give him confidence, and in the aftermath of it, he made it clear that earning the opportunity to play the favorite for the very tournament in his next match is something that he will cherish for the rest of his life. In an interview with Explica.co, he also indicated that he would give it his all to deny World No.1 a chance to add perhaps the most significant chapter to the entire history he has created over the years.
It’s really crazy. It’s going to be a very difficult game. It will possibly be the biggest challenge as a tennis player that I have had until then, to play against Novak on a hard court. It will be at Arthur Ashe, the largest court in the world… I respect the way he’s been at the top of tennis for so long. Nadal and Federer were already settled there, but Novak showed up and destroyed all the records. He’s been such a solid player over the years that he’s incredible. He’s a legend of this sport and I will have to play at my best level and have some luck if I want to have some options.
That said, it must be noted that Djokovic is also feeling the pressure to win. Although he had a slight hiccup at the Olympics, if there is anyone who knows when to switch gears and step up, it’s him! His start to the campaign on Wednesday was a testament to it. Against Rune, he was extremely aggressive, hitting 53 winners. Moreover, there was no let-up in aces as he fired 17 of them – though his seven double faults on the day were not in parallel with his serving standards. Not only that, but he handled the hot and humid conditions very well – which have always proved troublesome for him – especially in the last two sets to wrap up the match in four sets, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-1.
Long story short, if Djokovic is on his game, we all might be in for a beatdown rather than an upset. Our prediction is that, while there will be some great points, Djokovic will claim a straight-set victory.
Match details
Players: (1) Novak Djokovic vs Tallon Griekspoor
Date: 2 September 2021
Time: 6:00 p.m. (Central Time)
Tournament: 2021 US Open
Round: Second round (Round of 64)
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $40,560,000
