Novak Djokovic heads into the 2026 US Open still chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian, seeded fourth, arrives in the United States after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, where his run was ended by Jannik Sinner, who will miss the tournament through injury.
Djokovic is a four-time champion at Flushing Meadows, but his relationship with the tournament has been marked by painful near-misses and controversy. His most recent singles triumph in New York, in 2023, is also his most recent major title.
Debut and early years
Djokovic made his US Open debut in 2005, the same year Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka first appeared at the tournament. Andre Agassi and Greg Rusedski were among those at the other end of their careers in that edition.
His first match at the event was a five-set win over Gael Monfils, one of 20 victories against the Frenchman, who has never beaten him. Another five-setter saw Djokovic eliminated by Fernando Verdasco in the third round, and he reached the same stage in 2006. In 2007 he reached his first Grand Slam final, losing in straight sets to Roger Federer.
Four titles and more near misses
Djokovic won the tournament for the first time in 2011, his fourth major title after two Australian Open victories and a Wimbledon title that year. Those first three came against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal respectively.
Nadal was his opponent in the 2010 and 2013 finals, both of which Djokovic lost, and he has finished as runner-up six times in total. His second, third and fourth US Open titles followed, the most recent in 2023 when he beat Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
In 2024, Djokovic suffered a surprise third-round defeat to Alexei Popyrin, but rebounded with a semi-final run in 2025.
Disqualification and entry ban
Between his third US Open title in 2018 and his fourth in 2023, Djokovic was at the centre of controversy. He was disqualified from the 2020 edition after hitting a line judge with a ball during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreno Busta.
Referee Soeren Friemel explained the decision: "His point was that he didn't hit the line umpire intentionally. He said, 'Yes, I was angry, I hit the ball, I hit the line umpire, the facts are very clear, but it wasn't my intent, I didn't do it on purpose, so I shouldn't be defaulted for that.' We all agreed that he didn't do it on purpose but the facts are still that he hit the line umpire and that the line umpire was clearly hurt."
Two years later, Djokovic missed the 2022 US Open because of federal travel restrictions for unvaccinated foreigners. He wrote on social media: "Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players!"
He returned in 2023, dropping only one set all tournament to Laslo Djere before beating Medvedev in the final. In the 11 Grand Slams since, he has reached two finals and six semi-finals, and now has another chance to claim the record-breaking 25th major title.
