Djokovic targets record 25th Grand Slam at U.S. Open amid favorable draw

Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open appears to have favorable circumstances, with key rivals Jannik Sinner sidelined by injury and Carlos Alcaraz returning from a significant layoff. This alignment of events could present Djokovic with his best opportunity in years to break Margaret Court's all-time record.

Since his 2023 U.S. Open victory, Djokovic has remained a dominant force, but Alcaraz and Sinner have largely controlled the men's game, sharing 10 of the last 11 major titles. Djokovic has faced defeats against them five times in the last six Grand Slams, including a loss to Alcaraz in the Australian Open final earlier this year. Despite these setbacks, the 39-year-old Serbian remains confident, drawing on a deep well of determination.

Djokovic spoke of "inat," a Serbian word signifying stubbornness and the drive to prove doubters wrong, a mentality he feels is widespread among his people. This inner force could be crucial as he navigates the tournament, especially given his own physical issues and limited preparation time. The absence of Sinner due to a knee injury and Alcaraz's recovery from a wrist problem that has kept him out for over four months add further intrigue to the draw.

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There is a word in Serbian called inat. When people doubt you, when everyone is basically against you, that’s when you use that inat, that force of stubbornness to prove everybody wrong. That inat is quite widespread in the mentality of Serbian people.

However, Alexander Zverev presents a formidable obstacle. Having recently secured his first major title at the French Open and reaching the Wimbledon final, Zverev has solidified his status as a top contender. Despite Zverev's resurgence and other credible challengers, tennis legend Roger Federer expressed confidence in Djokovic's enduring capabilities. "Whenever Novak enters any tournament... he’ll have a shot," Federer stated, emphasizing Djokovic's consistent high-level performance throughout his career.

The American contingent, led by Canadian Open champion Ben Shelton and Cincinnati runner-up Frances Tiafoe, along with 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz, also harbors hopes of ending a 23-year drought for a homegrown men's champion. Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open winner, specifically noted Shelton's rise to contention after his recent success in Montreal.

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Whenever Novak enters any tournament, for that matter, or a major, he’ll have a shot. I’ve seen what he can do, not just once, not just here or there. He’s done it in every place at the highest of levels. As long as he’s in the draw, there’s a chance. That’s also one of the reasons he’s still playing, because he actually truly must believe he can still do it.