US Open Second Service: Novak Djokovic as motivated as ever; Emma Raducanu runs riot
On Second Service today, Novak Djokovic says he is as motivated as ever following his second round win and Emma Raducanu continues her impressive form to reach the third round.
Firstly, the world number one vastly improved on his opening round performance with a commanding victory over Tallon Griekspoor on Thursday night.
The Serb wrapped up a routine 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win on Arthur Ashe, but he knows there is still a lot of work to be done.
“It was definitely a better performance from my side than a couple of nights ago,” Novak Djokovic said.
“It’s a great feeling being on the court. I’m as motivated as ever to do well. I’m not the only player who wants to go deep in the tournament. Hopefully, [I’ll] get my hands on the trophy. That’s why I’m here.”
Take a look at Djokovic’s full quotes here
On the topic of the 20-time Major winner, Marion Bartoli believes ‘everyone will love’ Djokovic if he lifts the US Open title later this month.
The combination of completing the Calendar Grand Slam and surpassing Federer and Nadal onto 21 Major titles is something that Bartoli sees as inevitably favouring the popularity of Djokovic.
“Once Djokovic gets to the top of the history of the game with the number of slams he’s won, everyone will fall in love with him,” she told Pickswise.
“It’s just a matter of time. By writing history and winning this US Open, the love and appreciation for him will grow.”
See more of what Bartoli had to say here
British star Emma Raducanu backed up her first US Open win with a dominant display in her second round battle against Shuai Zhang, defeating the Chinese player 6-2 6-4.
Raducanu displayed aggression and poise to overcome her top-50 opponent, doing so in under 90 minutes on-court.
“It’s absolutely fantastic,” Henman said of the 18-year-old’s victory. “I mean, I could not be more impressed with Raducanu’s performance.
“Two elements. [First] the quality of her tennis. To be up 6-2, 4-0 she was absolutely faultless. I mean, she made so few unforced errors. Completely dominated her opponent.”
Take a look at Henman’s full quotes here
Lastly, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli believes that both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will add to their tally of Major titles.
Nadal won his last Slam at the 2020 French Open, while Federer won his 20th over three years ago at the 2018 Australian Open.
“They will get to 21,” Bartoli said in an interview for Pickswise. “But Novak (Djokovic) will get further than 21 as he’s a lot fitter now and he’s younger as well.
“Novak isn’t getting towards that last cycle when you’re getting injured, you can’t really play your full schedule, and then you’re just trying to get one extra Slam.
“He’s not got to that stage yet, he will probably get closer to 24 or 25.”
See more of what Bartoli had to say here
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