Novak Djokovic has spent three years trying to add a 25th Grand Slam to his name. At this US Open, the path has rarely looked this open: world number one Jannik Sinner is out injured, the defending champion is shaking off a four-month layoff, and the 39-year-old Serb arrives seeded fourth and, by his own admission, prepared.
The record he has chased since 2023
Djokovic’s last major came at the 2023 US Open, where he collected a 24th title that tied Margaret Court. Since then he has had 11 chances to break the mark, reaching two finals and half a dozen semi-finals without landing it. In Australia this year he beat Sinner in a five-set semi-final before losing to Alcaraz in the final; Roland Garros ended in the third round and Wimbledon with a semi-final loss to the eventual champion.
| 2026 Grand Slam | How it went |
|---|---|
| Australian Open | Final, lost to Alcaraz |
| Roland Garros | Third round |
| Wimbledon | Semi-finals, lost to Sinner |
| US Open | First round vs Mariano Navone |
Why this year’s draw looks open
The biggest obstacle in the draw is gone. Sinner is sidelined with a knee injury, and Alcaraz is an unknown quantity as he returns from a four-month absence. Djokovic pulled out of Montreal and lost his Cincinnati opener, but he says the extra time helped: “If you ask me if I’m prepared, I feel like I am, as best I can be.” He opens against Argentina’s 48th-ranked Mariano Navone.
A shot at the oldest men’s champion title
Age is part of the story. A 39-year-old has never won a men’s Grand Slam singles title; the record belongs to Ken Rosewall, who was 37 when he won the 1972 Australian Open. Djokovic’s 20th US Open appearance puts him in a group that includes only Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Feliciano Lopez. “Longevity was always one of the goals,” he said.
Why this could be his last great chance
The stakes are also personal. After his Australian Open final defeat in February, Djokovic hinted this could be a farewell, telling the Melbourne crowd “God knows what happens tomorrow.” He has said he is eyeing a defense of his Olympic gold at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, but a record 25th major would end a three-year chase. “Hopefully I can overcome the first hurdle and build from there,” he said.
Filipino fans have plenty to track at Flushing Meadows this week, with Alex Eala opening her US Open against Mary Stoiana and the Williams sisters reuniting in doubles. Djokovic’s old rival Roger Federer entered the Hall of Fame just before the tournament began.
