Novak Djokovic: Three-time US Open winner underdog for Carlos Alcaraz, says Johanna Konta and Laura Robson.

Johanna Konta and Laura Robson rate Novak Djokovic’s US Open prospects as tennis returns to Sky Sports. You can watch at least 135 hours of matches across all our platforms. Including an app where you can see every court for the first time. Join us from August 28th.

Former England No. 1 Johanna Konta said it was almost “trendy” to dislike Novak Djokovic, while fellow analyst Laura Robson said the Serb would be “underdog” at the US Open – live on Sky Sports from day one. August 28th

Djokovic is back at the US Open for the first time in two years after the world No. 2 was banned from competing in last year’s event at Flushing Meadows because he decided not to get a Covid-19 vaccine.

But with restrictions in the United States. Now more relaxed, the 36-year-old is back and determined to make up for his epic Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos. Alcaraz last month

Djokovic had already beaten junior Spaniard Alcaraz in a thrilling match that lasted three hours and 49 minutes to win the Western & Southern Open title, but talks quickly turned to New York.

Although new Sky Sports pundit Laura Robson branded Djokovic an “underdog” for the final Grand Slam of the year, But Konta still felt that he would be. He was named “top dog” in New York as the 2011, 2015 and 2018 winner chasing the elusive 24th Major crown, which would see him equal to Margaret Court’s all-time mark.

“I really want Djokovic to be 24 years old, maybe I’m different. But I always support the best dogs. Not the underdog,” said Konta, the former world No. 4.

“I always feel better for people who are expected to win. I just think it’s harder. It is much harder to succeed and be successful again like these big players have. Why don’t you encourage him to keep pushing?”

Djokovic may feel he has a point to prove after making defensive changes in men’s tennis. When he lost his last Wimbledon marathon to young prodigy Alcaraz, Konta thought otherwise.

“He has no point to prove. He lost in the final against a great player who should be the next big name in our sport. I don’t think there’s any point of proof, I just hope he gets to 24 and maybe even more just because I want him,” Konta said.

“From the top stars Djokovic has the most difficult image simply because he has only recently reached that point. And has a huge fan base for Raphael. Nadal and Roger Federer and because Rafa and Roger can be claimed to be game changers.

“They brought something new and Novak couldn’t have been more demanding. But he was one of the main reasons the game got to this point with physical pushing. it’s incredible But I think it’s very bad for him.

“He was not accepted by the fans. In a way, besides, people love to jump when they hate someone just because that’s what you do. So I think he fell in love with these kinds of people.” Like Djokovic because it’s fashionable.

“It’s almost trendy to dislike Djokovic. I don’t see anyone saying why they don’t like Djokovic, especially because nobody knows him equally, nobody knows Roger and Rafa either. Nobody knows the guys. he personally So if you stop a fan and ask them why they don’t like Djokovic, they won’t know. I’m actually a secret Djokovic fan for that reason.

Southpaw Robson, who won Junior Wimbledon at 14, admitted it was good to see Djokovic shed a few tears on Center Court, who turned to cheers in Cincinnati on Sunday.

But she also felt that the New York crowd would follow him. Because he will be second only to the Spaniard Alcaraz. making him the underdog for the first time in years

“Often the crowds were against him for whatever reason. And I think it’s good to see how emotional he is at Wimbledon or how frustrated he is. Because you don’t often see that from him. and it shows He cares a lot after a lot of wins in his life, won them all, but it’s still very important to him, so I feel maybe he won a couple of them that day,” said the former British Olympic medalist.

“And maybe he’s more underdog in New York, and New York fans love to go after anyone who doesn’t win. Basically maybe things will come to him I see no reason to Didn’t like him or at least didn’t enjoy his tennis. And admit that he is actually the best in the world.”

Robson added it was “ridiculous” to talk about Djokovic chasing a 24th Grand Slam, but only if he succeeded. It will undoubtedly make him the greatest of all time.

“I think I’d love to see him turn 24. You know, the numbers are crazy. Whichever way you look,” she said.

“The fact that he still has 24 tournaments is absurd. And I think it would be good for a tennis player to have him as a 24-time Grand Slam champion. No mention in terms of who the numbers are. greatest ever

“I’ve never seen anyone replicate what he’s done in his career. I would like to see him 24 years old and I would like to see a match against Alcaraz. because they seem to be drawn the best of each other”

When is the US Open live on Sky Sports?

The US Open returns to Sky Sports on Monday, August 28 with the promise of fans live coverage of the Grand Slam like never before.

Sky Sports has full access to each stadium feed. and will broadcast at least 135 hours of matches throughout the two weeks of Grand Slam.

Sky Sports members on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q and the Sky Sports app will be able to watch every court for the first time on Sky Sports.

Across Sky Sports’ linear channels and on Sky Sports’ digital and social channels, tennis fans can enjoy comprehensive viewing. Including both men’s and women’s competitions. alongside the mixed doubles, mixed doubles, junior and wheelchair competitions.

Watch the US Open – live on Sky Sports – from Monday August 28. Stream the US Open and more now for £26 per month for 12 months.