The gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics is now just a cherished memory for Novak Djokovic, as the Serbian champion has already returned to training for the US Open—a development that will surely thrill his fans.
Djokovic, as always, continues to defy expectations. After sustaining an injury at Roland Garros and undergoing subsequent meniscus surgery, there were concerns about his recovery. However, Djokovic once again made history, reaching the Wimbledon final just weeks after his operation and clinching that elusive Olympic gold medal in Paris by defeating Carlos Alcaraz.
Having taken a break from the ATP Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati to recuperate and regain peak physical form, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is now ready to defend his US Open title. He’s also in pursuit of his first ATP title of the season.
In a recent training session ahead of the final Major of the year, the 37-year-old Serbian was seen practicing without the knee brace that had supported him during his appearances at Wimbledon and the Olympics. Djokovic, training in Montenegro, already appears primed for competition in the United States, displaying a few powerful forehands, renewed agility, and the relentless determination that defines his career. In New York, he’ll aim to extend his almost unassailable Grand Slam title record to 25 and break his title drought this season.
The last time Djokovic went without a Grand Slam trophy was in 2017 when he didn’t participate in the US Open. The last season he failed to win any ATP title dates back to 2005. Fresh off his first career Olympic victory, Djokovic now prepares for the North American hard court season, where the world’s best players will compete.
Following the surprise victory of Alexei Popyrin at the ATP Masters 1000 in Montreal and the Cincinnati final featuring Jannik Sinner against Frances Tiafoe, all eyes are now on the fourth and final Slam of the year, the US Open, set to take place in New York from August 26 to September 8.
Before the main event at Flushing Meadows, tennis fans are in for a special treat. “The Stars of the Open,” a series of exhibition matches featuring past and present champions, will take place. The lineup promises to be spectacular, with Djokovic and Alcaraz—who recently faced off in an epic Olympic final—teaming up with John McEnroe and Andre Agassi, respectively. This is an event not to be missed. Additionally, visitors to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from August 19 to 25 will witness another exciting showdown featuring legendary players: Juan Martín del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini will face off against Venus Williams and Andy Roddick.
Djokovic practising without his knee protection for the first time since his injury at Roland Garros. Good to see ahead of the US Open 🇺🇸
The last *full* season that Novak went without any Major title was 2010, let’s see if he can continue the streak 🏆pic.twitter.com/xXmtBvW0DC
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 18, 2024
