ATP Champions Tour stars John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander have all backed Nole to win the US Open. (VIDEO) Asked who they thought would win the title, the trio confidently predicted the Serb would come out on top. McEnroe is surely the only other man on the planet who understands how Novak is feeling at the moment. In 1984, McEnroe lost just three matches in an incredible year. In another special video, the American paid tribute to Novak, and said that he was on course for the greatest season in tennis history. ENJOY!!!
John McEnroe believes that the 37-match winning streak that Novak Djokovic has put together in 2011 is even more impressive than the record-breaking run of 42 wins that the American registered in 1984. McEnroe, who revealed that he is to return to the Royal Albert Hall in London for the AEGON Masters Tennis tournament in December, has been amazed by what he has seen from the Serbian player. " Given that there's more competition, more athleticism and deeper fields now, I'd say his record is even more impressive than mine ", said McEnroe. " Especially given that in 1984, the major in Australia was played at the end of the year, whereas he had to win it (as part of his streak). I was coming into my first Grand Slam of the year at the French, where the streak was broken (in the final against Ivan Lendl). So things are different. Also, he came into the year at No.3 and to be able to dominate [higher ranked players] the way he has, well, to put it mildly, it's been quite amazing to see what he's done and how much more confidently he's playing. " McEnroe, who went on to dismantle Jimmy Connors in one of the greatest Wimbledon performances ever seen in the 1984 final, said that he is actually pulling for Djokovic to break his record. " I'm quite excited that he might break my record at the French Open ", he said. "Records are made to be broken. It's the definition of mixed emotions. I think I've pretty much lost every record that I had but, at the same time, I know that this has been a shot in the arm for our sport. Everyone knew he was capable, because he had won a major and he showed some heart at the [2010 US] Open, when he came from two match points down [in the semi-final against Roger Federer]. To see what he's done since then, I hasten to say that even he's a little surprised." The American, who won the title at the Royal Albert Hall in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2003, is looking forward to returning to the ATP Champions Tour event for the first time in three years. " The London tournament has always been one of my favourite events of the year ", he said. " The crowds are really fantastic, the atmosphere is great and the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most spectacular arenas I've ever played in. I still love to compete and I always play to win so I am training hard to be able to bring my best tennis back to London. " SOURCE:Novak Djokovic Official Webite (read more)
Novak Djokovic crushed Radek Stepanek 6:1, 6:3, 6:3 in one hour, 46 minutes to reach the quarterfinals in New York for the third straight season. One more victory, against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, and he’s into a first Grand Slam semifinal of 2009. " I think (the crowd) wanted a little longer match, so I’m sorry," Djokovic said. "Overall I think I played a great match, I didn’t give him any chance to get into the match. " There were ample cheers Monday. Novak revived his trademark imitations, replicating John McEnroe, and McEnroe, at Djokovic’s request, came down from the broadcast booth – in his dress pants and dress shirt – to hit with the Serb. Djokovic signed numerous autographs afterwards. " I would like to thank all the crowd for staying up late," Novak said in a courtside interview. " The US Open and New York are well known for these night matches, and it was a big privilege and pleasure for me to play. " SOURCE:Novak Djokovic Official WebSite and sjsm19 Thanks to all! (read more)
