Image source: Instagram/@djokernole
Novak Djokovic is on a quest for his 25th Grand Slam title as he gears up to defend his US Open crown. The Serbian tennis star clinched a coveted Olympic gold medal in Paris, completing his career Golden Slam. Now, he’s focused on making history at Flushing Meadows.
The 37-year-old Novak Djokovic has faced stiff competition this season. He fell to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals and lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. Injuries have also been a setback; Djokovic withdrew from the French Open quarter-finals due to a knee issue.
Despite these challenges, Novak Djokovic’s recent form suggests he’s regaining his top form. He defeated French Open champion Alcaraz at the Paris Games final, a promising sign ahead of the US Open. To prepare, Novak Djokovic skipped tune-up tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati to rest and recharge.
Former coach Goran Ivanisevic believes Novak Djokovic’s Olympic gold will fuel his US Open bid. “Ivanisevic said, ‘If he continues playing like this, he’s the player to beat at the US Open.’” “I’m thrilled he won the gold. I hope he breaks the record and then retires, though I doubt he’ll ever truly retire.”
In contrast, Carlos Alcaraz is entering New York with less confidence. He suffered a surprising defeat to French veteran Gael Monfils in Cincinnati. Alcaraz described it as “the worst match of my career.” He’s determined to bounce back and focus on the US Open.
Another formidable contender is 23-year-old Jannik Sinner. The world number one won his first major title this year by defeating Djokovic at the Australian Open. Though Sinner missed the Olympics due to tonsillitis and has been battling a hip issue, he won the Cincinnati title, peaking just in time for the US Open.
Sinner has faced controversy over failed drug tests but was cleared of any wrongdoing. An independent tribunal accepted his explanation that an anabolic agent entered his system through massages and sports therapy.
Alexander Zverev, ranked fourth, continues his quest for a first major title, while sixth-ranked Andrey Rublev and eighth-ranked Casper Ruud are also in the mix. Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion, needs to overcome recent poor form to be a serious contender.
A group of American men, including Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, and Sebastian Korda, aim to end a 21-year Grand Slam drought for the US. “All the Americans are playing great tennis right now,” said Korda, who recently won the Washington title. “We hope to make a significant push in the upcoming Grand Slam.”
