The Serbian star, record holder of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, will look to add a 24th to his collection in New York, which would allow him to widen the gap on Rafael Nadal, who has won 22. 36-year-old Djokovic said he was aware that the opportunities to improve his record were likely to be rarer, even if he does not plan to retire. “I don’t know how many grand slams I have left,” Djokovic said. “I will continue. I am not setting myself an end for the moment.” “I also understand that things are different when you are 36, so I have to be more grateful, a little more present I guess, and put into every Grand Slam the commitment and the level of performance as if it were can. – be the last,” he said.
Djokovic hasn’t played in the US Open since 2021, when his bid to achieve the rare Grand Slam of the calendar year’s four majors was met by Daniil Medvedev in a loss in the final. He had been banned the following year from entering the United States because of his refusal to be vaccinated. Djokovic is relishing his return to what he describes as the most ‘electric’ vibe in tennis. “The first feeling I get is the excitement of this return, because it’s the biggest arena in our sport, the biggest stadium, and certainly the most fun, electric atmosphere, the most exciting part of tennis, playing at night on the Arthur Ashe, without a doubt,” he said.
Djokovic will start his tournament on Monday against Frenchman Alexandre Müller.
