As he returns to the US Open for the first time in two years, Novak Djokovc is aiming to quickly re-establish himself as a title contender at the last Grand Slam of the season.
The unvaxxed world No. 2 who was unable to compete in 2022 due to his ban from the US, wants to make an impression from the start when he begins on Monday night in the first round against France’s Alexandre Muller.
Any regrets have been forgotten by the 23-time Grand Slam winner who own three titles at Flushing Meadows but has lost six finals.
“It’s been two years since I last played here. There is no grudge, last year, during the tournament, I was sorry that I couldn’t be here. I was sad that I couldn’t participate,” he said in the run-up.
“Grand Slams are the biggest goals I have in my career right now,” the 36-year-old said.
“I don’t know how many I have left.”
Djokovic, won the weekend Cincinnati final over Carlo Alcaraz in a three-set classic, said he hopes to still figure as a major trophy contender.
“I don’t have an ending (to his career) in my mind for now. I understand that things are different when you are 36,
I have to enjoy the present, treating each Grand Slam as if it were the last in terms of commitment.
“I see every Grand Slam I play in as a golden opportunity to make history.”
