Former Tennis World No. 1 Mats Wilander Backs Novak Djokovic To Win More Grand Slams Despite Shock US Open Exit

Tennis legend Mats Wilander has backed Novak Djokovic to add to his record Grand Slam tally, despite his early exit from the 2024 US Open.

The Swedish great believes that the 37-year-old Serbian is still at the peak of his powers and backs him to add one or two more Grand Slam titles to his record tally of 24.

Despite Djokovic’s US Open defeat to Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the tournament, Wilander remains confident in the 37-year-old.

“So far, I don’t see him getting old,” Wilander said in an interview with Sport Klub. “Physically, I don’t notice anything getting older; mentally, he seems to be getting smarter.”

The upset defeat means Djokovic has failed to win a Grand Slam title during a tour season for the first time since 2017.

However, it hasn’t deterred Wilander from predicting further success for the tennis great, who won Olympic gold for the first time in his career just last month.

“I can’t believe he’s still playing at this rate, but I can believe he’ll keep it up,” Wilander added. “I think he will win some more Slams, that he will finish at 26.”

It wasn’t meant to be tonight. Well played, @AlexeiPopyrin99. Time for me to relax, regroup and move on. Until next time, NYC. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/wsh4F9YzEQ

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 31, 2024

With Djokovic out of the running for the US Open title, Wilander has tipped world No. 1 Jannik Sinner as a potential winner. However, he acknowledged the strong competition from other players like Daniil Medvedev.

“Sinner is the first favourite, but there are so many good players,” Wilander added.

“[Daniil] Medvedev can win, in his own way, and it’s good for Sinner that he didn’t have a tough opponent immediately after the elimination of Alcaraz and Djokovic, so that it settles down for him.”