Djokovic’s 25th Grand Slam bid hindered by fitness issues
Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open is overshadowed by mounting fitness concerns after the 39-year-old abandoned a practice session in New York earlier this week following just three games, reports BritPanorama.
The Serbian was hitting with Zizou Bergs on Tuesday under fierce sunshine at Flushing Meadows but opted to stop early, with the intense conditions appearing to be the cause rather than any injury. It was not his only activity that day, as Djokovic had already partnered Aryna Sabalenka in the mixed doubles, where the pair fell to Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten.
He later returned to the practice courts for singles preparation, but this brief session has inevitably fueled doubts about whether the four-time US Open champion’s body can endure a gruelling fortnight in New York’s late-summer climate. The warning signs were already clear before Djokovic arrived in New York; at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month, he raced through the first set against Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante before the oppressive humidity took its toll.
During a lengthy service game in the second set, Djokovic dropped to his knees and required medical attention, eventually losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a shock opening-round exit. “It’s simply a health issue I have. It’s been troubling me for the past few years,” Djokovic said afterwards. “I have a lot of problems, especially when there’s high humidity and heat.”
A subsequent practice match against Denis Shapovalov offered some encouragement as Djokovic led 6-2, 2-1 before the session was stopped, but he was again visibly troubled by perspiration, frequently calling for towels and switching rackets to maintain a dry grip. The physical arithmetic remains daunting: seven rounds of best-of-five-set matches on hard courts in sweltering conditions.
Djokovic’s route through the draw has drawn criticism from fans, who accused organisers of handing him an unfairly difficult path. His opener against world number 48 Mariano Navone could potentially be followed by a clash with Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka, the latter competing in his final Grand Slam. A potential fourth-round encounter with Andrey Rublev or Brandon Nakashima looms, with Daniil Medvedev or Frances Tiafoe likely quarter-final opponents.
Should he progress to the last four, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic at this stage last year, would likely be waiting. The 23-year-old Spaniard is returning from a wrist injury that has sidelined him since August, with analyst Naomi Broady noting that best-of-five-set tennis will be “a big test on the wrist.” Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal due to a right-knee problem has at least removed one formidable obstacle from Djokovic’s path.
The stakes extend well beyond a single trophy. Victory in New York would take Djokovic past Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, giving him sole ownership of the most coveted mark in tennis history. Two notable milestones also beckon: Djokovic is currently level with Jimmy Connors on 99 match victories at the US Open, and reaching the quarter-finals without any walkovers would see him claim that record outright.
Perhaps most remarkably, Djokovic stands on the brink of becoming the first player in history to amass 100 match wins at every Grand Slam tournament, requiring a semi-final appearance without walkovers to achieve this feat. His record in New York already stands apart, with ten finals, more than any man in the Open era. At 39, each of these landmarks carries the weight of what may be a final opportunity.
Roger Federer, however, has backed his old rival to contend. “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.” He added, “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 levels.”
Federer suggested Djokovic’s continued presence on tour reflects an unwavering self-belief. “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.” His first-round match against Navone is scheduled under the lights, minimizing exposure to the daytime heat initially. Whether his body can sustain a deep run remains the defining question of his campaign.
As Djokovic navigates through physical challenges and a treacherous draw, the narrative transcends mere titles; it becomes a testament to resilience in the face of looming uncertainties. The stage at Flushing Meadows holds more than just another tournament for him—it represents a crucible for his legacy.
