Djokovic Begins US Open Campaign After Cincinnati Exit

Novak Djokovic began his campaign at the 2026 US Open on August 30, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam singles title after an early exit from the Cincinnati Open gave him an extended preparation period. The 39-year-old Serbian, a four-time champion in New York, acknowledged that while he dislikes early losses, the time off allowed him to train specifically for the demands of the final major of the season.

Djokovic lost his opening match at the Cincinnati Open to Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante on August 16, a defeat compounded by physical struggles in the heat that included vomiting on court. He told reporters at Flushing Meadows that the subsequent two weeks were used to get his body and mind into the right state. "I feel like I am, as best as I can be, but it's different training and then getting out on the Arthur Ashe Stadium and playing best-of-five," Djokovic said. He noted that opening matches have been particularly challenging for him in recent years and expressed hope to overcome the first hurdle and build from there.

The early loss in Cincinnati was not an isolated incident of physical difficulty. Djokovic also fell ill during a five-set match at the French Open...