Novak Djokovic’s longevity, across any sport, remains one of the great stories for this generation, but even the 39-year-old Serbian legend and, unarguably, the ‘greatest men’s player of all time’ cannot outrun Father Time forever. Mentally, he is still a monster, but physically, the body is not what it used to be three or four years back. Running from one pole to another, bending as if his limbs are made of rubber and defying gravity as if it never existed, these were a few of Djokovic’s trademarks.
But Djokovic’s last Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023, and he has been waiting ever since for No. 25. He has remained a major contender, reaching the latter stages of Grand Slams, but the wait continues. The absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz from the Cincinnati Open has opened up the Masters 1000 event, which traditionally serves as an important hard-court preparation tournament ahead of the US Open.
But their withdrawals from Cincinnati should not automatically be treated as withdrawals from New York. For Djokovic, the bigger question is whether he can survive a wide-open field over two weeks.
Why Novak Djokovic Cannot Win Another Grand Slam
The biggest concern is not Djokovic’s experience but the physical demand of winning seven best-of-five matches at 39. He can still produce extraordinary tennis, but the margin for error is smaller than it was during his peak years.
That is where the current generation can hurt him. Djokovic has already been reminded in 2026 that younger opponents can push him into physically demanding battles, and his search for No. 25 has become increasingly difficult.
If the Serbian is drawn into long matches early in New York, the accumulated workload could become decisive. The question is no longer whether Djokovic can beat the best players for one match. It is whether his body can handle the entire tournament.
Other Threats if Alcaraz And Sinner Miss US Open 2026
Alexander Zverev is an obvious threat after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros, while Daniil Medvedev remains a particularly interesting name in New York. Medvedev famously denied Djokovic the Calendar Grand Slam in the 2021 US Open final, winning in straight sets.
Then there is Taylor Fritz, a local favourite, who knows how to handle the US Open pressure; Alex de Minaur’s relentless defence and Ben Shelton’s explosive serve and power. Any of them could turn Djokovic’s path into a serious test.
Djokovic is Still Chasing The Elusive ‘No. 25’
This is perhaps what makes the 2026 US Open so fascinating. Djokovic is not chasing another ordinary Grand Slam. He is chasing history.
He has 24 major singles titles and needs one more to move ahead of Margaret Court’s joint record. His last major came almost three years ago, at the very tournament where he will once again try to complete the job.
But Djokovic’s greatness alone cannot guarantee No. 25. The field may be weaker without Sinner and Alcaraz, but it is certainly not weak enough to make the title his to lose.
