Alexandre Muller vs Novak Djokovic: 2023 US Open - Preview & Prediction

25/08/2023 04:23 | by Evita Mueller

Novak Djokovic will make a return at the US Open in the coming days, with his first challenger being Alexandre Muller.

Djokovic hasn't played at the US Open since 2021, and while it seems not a long go, quite a few things have happened since then. We have a new champion and a new number one, though Djokovic will retrieve it after this event if he wins this match.

He likely won't if he loses, but that would be the least of his concerns. The Serbian just demonstrated a hugely impressive level at the Cincinnati Masters, beating the current world number one in a brutal 3-set match in the ATP 1000 final.

It was a tease for what we might get at the US Open, but before that happens, Djokovic needs to win this match. Muller is a solid player unfortunately, the matchup with Djokovic is not one that gives him a lot of chances.

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Head-to-head:

They never played so far, but there is very little Muller can do to surprise Djokovic. The Serbian has seen this type of player many times, and Muller doesn't have the consistency to sustain his best level for a very long time.

Prediction:

The best Muller can offer, in theory, could trouble Djokovic because he's so aggressive. He can hit winners and hits plenty of them, but in between them, there are also plenty of errors. It's the perfect matchup for Djokovic, who will sit back and watch his opponent play himself out of the match.

He'll elevate his play when he needs to and it promises to be a rather painless opening-round matchup. Obviously, surprises could happen, but this would be a major upset if the French player pulls it off. Should be a good watch, though.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets.

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