Although he opted to skip the ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli believes that Novak Djokovic is still the clear favorite to lift the trophy at this year's US Open.
After winning the titles at the Australian Open, French Open and then Wimbledon in 2021, the Serbian is on the verge of achieving a historic feat if he also claims the US Open title. He would become first male since Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams in one calendar year, a feat the Australian accomplished on two occasions, 1962 & 1969.
Despite suffering a disappointing exit at the Tokyo Olympics, Bartoli still is of the opinion that the World No.1 leads the pack when it comes to title contenders.
"I would not understand if we do not place him as a big favorite. For me he is the big favorite,” Bartoli said. “It’s a little easier. He has a day off between each match, he has time to think about each victory, he has time to rest before the next game.
“I think the Grand Slams are definitely playing in favor of Novak Djokovic. To be honest, I can’t see him failing to win the US Open.”