NOVAK Djokovic’s coach Boris Becker admits the Serb’s supremacy is under threat from Andy Murray ahead of the start of the US Open.
Djokovic was set to begin the defence of his title against Poland’s big-serving Jerzy Janowicz last night, knowing all eyes will be on both his fitness and form after a torrid two months.
The world number one endured surprise early exits at both Wimbledon and the Olympics this summer, before admitting on Friday that a wrist injury could also hamper his bid in New York.
Murray, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength, winning both at SW19 and in Brazil, putting him as many observer’s favourite at Flushing Meadows to seal a fourth major triumph.
Djokovic may yet prove his doubters wrong but with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal also struggling with injury, it appears Murray’s time may finally have arrived.
“I see him really challenging Djokovic’s supremacy in the next few grand slams,” Becker told gulfnews.com.
“The year 2016 seems to have been a bit of a change-of-guard type of year for men’s tennis.
“With Roger Federer missing out on Paris and New York and Rafael Nadal also grappling with fitness issues, the Big Four of tennis seems to have been reduced to the Big Two with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray really developing a great rivalry.
“What I think has changed for Murray is that a maturity and stability has come into his life. The first big watershed was the London Olympics followed by the US Open win in 2012.
“However, he has not won as many grand slams as he would have liked since 2013. This Wimbledon and Olympic gold shows that he is now less pressured and more in control of the mental side of things.”
Djokovic came through an hour-long practice session unscathed on Sunday evening, 24 hours before his opening match, but the top seed did not look comfortable hitting inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He regularly winced on the follow-through of his serve and at one stage smashed a ball into the air in apparent frustration.
“He has now admitted to carrying a wrist strain at Wimbledon,” Becker said.
“He was unwilling to bring it up since he was beaten fair and square there, but the wrist did trouble him there and is still a problem for him.
“However, he is the favourite and the defending champion so he is training hard to protect his silverware.”
Murray, in the opposite half of the draw to the 12-time grand slam winner, faces Lukas Rosol today and the Scot has downplayed the effect his rival’s injury could have on his own chances.
John McEnroe, however, believes Djokovic admitting that he is struggling can only inspire belief in his rivals.
“Maybe he’s playing rope-a-dope and it’s not that bad,” said McEnroe.
“Maybe it’s going to get better.... It’s unpredictable. Only he knows.
“But rarely would you announce to the press, ‘Look, I can’t play’. I was shocked.
“I would think, for a lot of other players, that they may think they have a better shot now.”
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