Five milestones Novak Djokovic can reach at US Open 2024

Novak Djokovic has never defended his title at the US Open.

Having failed to defend his Australian Open and Wimbledon titles due to injuries and other reasons, Novak Djokovic will aim to win his first Major of the season at Flushing Meadows. The 2024 US Open is scheduled to take place from August 26 to September 8.

Djokovic, 37, recently won his much-desired Olympic gold by defeating arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the Stade Roland Garros. However, he withdrew from the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters, and as a result, would arrive at Flushing Meadows without practice on hardcourt after the Paris Olympics.

Nevertheless, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is well-versed in the metrics of tennis and defeating him in New York would be difficult. That being said, let’s take a look at the five milestones Novak Djokovic can reach at US Open 2024:

Records & milestones Novak Djokovic can set or break at US Open 2024

5. Oldest singles Grand Slam champion

Djokovic can become the oldest singles Grand Slam champion if he wins the 2024 US Open. The current record is held by icon Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open title at the age of 37 years and two months. During the final of the men’s singles event at Flushing Meadows, the Serb would be older than 37 years and three months.

Also Read: Oldest men’s singles players to win Grand Slam title

4. Defending US Open title for the first time

The Serbian tennis star has won the US Open four times: 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023. However, much like Roland Garros, he has never defended his title at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic did reach consecutive finals at the US Open in 2011-2012 and 2015-2016.

However, while he lifted the title in 2011 and 2015, the Serbian lost to Andy Murray in 2012 and Stan Wawrinka in 2016 respectively.

3. Could become all-time leader with 25 Grand Slam titles

Novak Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, which is the highest number of Majors won by a male tennis player. However, in the all-time list, he still shares the podium with Margaret Court, who also has 24 singles Grand Slam titles (including the amateur era). Djokovic had a chance to complete the milestone in Melbourne earlier this year, but he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

Later, at the French Open, he tore the meniscus of his right knee and was forced to retire from the quarterfinals. At the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, he suffered a disappointing straight-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz. Thus, the US Open can be the venue that will witness another chapter of greatness being written.

2. 100th Career title

Novak Djokovic can win his 100th career title at the US Open. Apart from the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Serbian tennis star has failed to win a single title this season. In terms of the number of titles won in the Open Era, the 37-year-old is in the third spot, behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

Also Read: Top 10 players with most ATP singles titles

1. Can tie Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors, and Pete Sampras’ record of five US Open titles

In the Open Era, three male tennis stars have won five US Open titles: Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors, and Pete Sampras, which is also a record. However, equal to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic has won the US Open four times. Thus, after failing to equal Roger Federer’s record at the Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic has a golden opportunity at the US Open.

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