Djokovic Targets Grand Slam Record at US Open

AFP/APP

New York: Novak Djokovic, fresh off an emotional Olympic Games triumph, is aiming to set new Grand Slam records at the US Open starting Monday.

Meanwhile, his title rival Jannik Sinner arrives in New York amidst controversy, facing scrutiny over two positive drug tests.

Defending champion Djokovic, at 37, has the opportunity to become the oldest champion in the Open era if he secures a fifth US Open title, a record he would share with legends Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer.

A victory would also mark his 25th Grand Slam title, moving him ahead of Margaret Court, with whom he currently shares the record of 24.

The final major of the year is crucial for Djokovic. Earlier this year, he was dethroned as Australian Open champion by Sinner, who also claimed his world number one ranking.

Carlos Alcaraz then took Djokovic’s French Open title, with the Spanish star dominating him in a one-sided Wimbledon final.

However, Djokovic made a remarkable comeback at the Olympics in Paris, where he stunned Alcaraz on the clay courts of Roland Garros to win the gold medal.

This tearful victory allowed him to become only the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam, having won all four majors and an Olympic gold.

The win, which Djokovic described as his “biggest sporting success,” silenced doubters who had begun to see him as a spent force in the face of rising stars like the 23-year-old Sinner and 21-year-old Alcaraz. It was also the 99th title of his illustrious professional career.