Gulf Today Report

New York:  World Number one Novak Djokovic will launch his bid for Calendar Slam at the US Open to become the first person to do so in 52 years.

No one has achieved the feat since Rod Laver did it in 1969. He blew away a golden chance to complete a Golden Slam but his hopes of Calendar Slam are still alive.

If Djokovic had won the Olympic gold and followed it up with a triumph at the US Open, he could become the first male and only the second player in the history of tennis to achieve the rare feat.

Only German great Steffi Graph has the privilege of winning a Golden Slam – all four Grand Slam titles combined with Olympic Gold -- in the year 1988.

However, Djokovic has a golden opportunity as he faces a depleted field with five past winners not taking part in the US Open.

"I know how big of an opportunity is in front of me. I'm highly motivated to play my best tennis,” said Djokovic.

With Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, Juan Martin del Potro Dominic Thiem not participating in the tournament, the job has become easier for the Serbian.

In the absence of the top palyers, Djokovic would be wary of Daniil

Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas Alexander Zverev, who won the gold at recently held Olympic.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Naomi Osaka is set to begin her title defence after pulling out of the French Open and Olympics later due to mental health.