US Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Begins 25th Grand Slam Quest Against Mariano Navone

Posted : 30 August 2026

Novak Djokovic begins his 2026 US Open campaign on Sunday with another piece of history in sight, as the 39-year-old Serbian targets a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

Djokovic, seeded fourth in New York, will face Argentina's Mariano Navone in the opening round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The tournament marks his 20th appearance at the US Open, placing him alongside Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Feliciano Lopez as the only men to reach that milestone.

The Serbian has remained determined to add another major trophy to his collection since winning the US Open in 2023 for his 24th Grand Slam title. That triumph moved him level with Margaret Court's all-time record, but the elusive 25th major has remained out of reach.

Djokovic has had several opportunities to break the record since then. He reached the Australian Open final earlier this year before losing to Carlos Alcaraz and advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals, where he was defeated by Jannik Sinner.

His preparation for New York was not ideal, however. Djokovic suffered an early defeat at the Cincinnati Open after struggling with the heat and humidity, but he believes the setback ultimately gave him valuable time to prepare physically and mentally for the US Open.

The veteran said he used the additional two weeks to train and get himself into the best possible condition before returning to the best-of-five-set format on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Despite being the clear favourite against world No. 48 Navone, Djokovic is refusing to underestimate his opening-round opponent. He acknowledged that his early matches at Grand Slam tournaments have become increasingly challenging in recent years and hopes to get through the first hurdle before focusing on what comes next.

The draw could also provide Djokovic with an opportunity to make another deep run. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is absent because of a knee injury, while defending champion Alcaraz is returning to competitive action after a lengthy injury layoff. Djokovic and Alcaraz are in the same half of the draw and could meet in the semifinals.

A fifth US Open title would further strengthen Djokovic's remarkable record at Flushing Meadows. He has previously lifted the trophy in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023 and owns a 95-15 record at the tournament.

Beyond the pursuit of another major trophy, Djokovic is also chasing an age record. He could become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title, surpassing Australian Ken Rosewall, who was 37 when he won the Australian Open in 1972.

For now, however, Djokovic is focused solely on Navone and the opening challenge. His immediate objective is to navigate the first round before beginning what could be another historic run in New York.

US Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Begins 25th Grand Slam Quest Against Mariano Navone

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