Novak Djokovic Begins US Open Campaign With Fresh Confidence After Cincinnati Exit

Novak Djokovic is hoping an early exit at the Cincinnati Open can ultimately work in his favour as he begins his latest US Open campaign with another chance to make tennis history.

The 39-year-old Serbian, who holds the men's record with 24 Grand Slam titles, lost his opening match in Cincinnati earlier this month. It was his first tournament since Wimbledon, but Djokovic has chosen to focus on the benefit of having additional time to prepare for the season's final Grand Slam.

The unexpected early defeat gave him almost two weeks of uninterrupted training, allowing him to focus on getting both his body and mind ready for the demanding fortnight in New York.

Seeded fourth, Djokovic will begin his campaign against world No. 48 Mariano Navone on Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Although Djokovic is the clear favourite, he remains cautious about the opening round, saying first-round matches have become particularly challenging for him in recent years.

Djokovic has competed in only 16 tournaments this season, fewer than any other player ranked inside the ATP Tour's top 95. He reached the Australian Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz, before exiting in the round of 32 at the French Open. At Wimbledon, he reached the semifinals but was beaten by Jannik Sinner.

The US Open will mark Djokovic's 20th appearance at the tournament, joining Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Feliciano Lopez in reaching the milestone.

A four-time champion in New York, Djokovic lifted the trophy in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023. He is now targeting a fifth title and a historic 25th Grand Slam crown.

Djokovic has missed the US Open only once since his debut in 2005, sitting out the 2017 edition because of a right elbow injury.

His first US Open appearance came 20 years ago against Gael Monfils, who is also competing this year. Djokovic reflected on how both remain part of an older generation still battling on the biggest stage.