Novak Djokovic cut his US Open practice short earlier this week, playing just three games before calling time on the session. The Serbian tennis icon was training with Zizou Bergs in New York on Tuesday before ending his session early.
Chasing a 25th Grand Slam title
Djokovic is chasing his 25th Grand Slam title and will be recognised as one of the leading contenders in the absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The veteran will, however, have to contend with Carlos Alcaraz, who has returned from a lengthy injury absence.
The conditions could yet cause havoc for Djokovic, who struggled physically in extreme heat at the Cincinnati Open. The 39-year-old crashed out of the tournament in the opening round with a defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Mixed doubles and opening match
Djokovic did have some competitive play on Tuesday, as he teamed up with Aryna Sabalenka for the mixed doubles. They were unable to progress as they were defeated by Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova 1-4, 4-2, 10-2.
The Olympic champion should avoid the intensity of the sun in the opening round at Flushing Meadows, with his first match scheduled to be played at night.
Djokovic will first play Argentina's world No. 48 Mariano Navone in the United States. The winner of that match will then take on Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka, who is playing in his final Grand Slam before retiring.
Alcaraz's return and Federer's view
Defending champion Alcaraz will await in the semi-final if both players reach that stage. The Spaniard is making his return to action following a wrist injury that has kept him out since August.
Alcaraz plays Roman Safiullin and his opponent's big hitting could prove a test for how well recovered the 23-year-old is.
“Safiullin could be a tricky draw,” said Naomi Broady. “The big test for Alcaraz coming back is that it's a best of five sets which is going to be a big test on the wrist and Safiullin hits the ball massive. How's the wrist going to hold up? That's the question mark around Carlos.”
Legend of the sport Roger Federer believes that former foe Djokovic has what it takes to claim another major. His last major title came at the US Open in 2023.
“I feel like whenever Novak enters any tournament, for that matter, or a major, he’ll be in it with a shot anyway,” Federer said this week. “That’s my opinion. I have very high regard for Novak. I’ve seen what he can do – not just once, not just here, not just there. He’s done it in every place, and at the highest of levels.”
“So I always think that as long as he’s in the draw, there is a chance, and I think that’s also one of the reasons he’s still playing, because he actually truly must believe that he can still do it, and that’s my opinion, too.”
