Can Novak Djokovic become first man since Roger Federer to defend his US Open crown?

Novak Djokovic has so far won four US Open titles.

Novak Djokovic will have to hit the ground running in New York, where he has won four titles and is the defending champion. Shortly after his triumph in Paris, where he became the oldest Olympic gold medalist at age 37 in tennis, he will try to equal another Roger Federer record by becoming the first man since Roger Federer to defend the US Open crown. The Swiss legend won in New York for five consecutive years, from 2004 through 2008.

At the US Open 2024, Djokovic eased past Radu Albot of Moldova in three sets, securing a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win in just over two hours. Next up is a second-round meeting with his countryman Laslo Djere, who endured a marathon five-setter against Jan-Lennard Struff that took nearly four hours to complete.

Djokovic’s opening-round win was his 78th at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the most by any man. It was also his 89th win at the US Open, equalling Roger Federer and leaving him just nine wins short of Jimmy Connors.

The Serbian must fend off challenges from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who together have won the ongoing season’s first three majors. Sinner and Alcaraz are seeded to meet in the semifinals, with the winner potentially setting up a summit showdown against Djokovic for the eighth time on tour.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s projected path to US Open 2024 final

Other potential challengers include 2020 finalist Alexander Zverev and 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev. Not to be ignored are the all-American ATP Top 20 squad: Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, and Frances Tiafoe. These five Americans have been making waves over the summer in the hard court swing.

Alexei Popyrin, the winner in Montreal, and Andrey Rublev, who faced Popyrin in the finals, will also look to make an impression in New York. Next Gen stars Arthur Fils, who leads the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, and Alex Michelsen, will aim to join the party at the year’s final Grand Slam.

A fifth trophy at Flushing Meadows would give Djokovic his 100th ATP title, making him only the third man to reach the magic number. Ahead of him are Roger Federer with 103 wins and Jimmy Connors with 109.

The Serbian legend already holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins, having claimed 24 major titles. Should he go all the way in New York, he will add an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam trophy to his collection, becoming the only player, male or female, to achieve that feat. This would place him one clear of Australian Margaret Court in the history books.

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