Djokovic and the top priority to arrive at the US Open with hopes

Novak Djokovic is facing a reality that is difficult to assimilate. Not only for him, but also for all of us who have seen him dominate the ATP circuit alongside the rest of the Big 3 for so many years. The Serbian maintains a competitive level to contend for major titles, as he demonstrated in the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals in all three tournaments. Only Jannik Sinner equals him as the only player to reach at least the semifinals in all three Grand Slams of the year. The Balkan player aims to improve this position in the upcoming US Open 2025.

Jannik Sinner is 23 years old. Carlos Alcaraz is 22 years old. Novak Djokovic is 38 years old. This seemingly simple fact explains, to a large extent, the main reason why the Serbian has not been able to perform at 100% in the most important matches in recent months. His physical condition is not what it used to be, and he must rely on a more technical, strategic, and mentally based game. With this approach, he managed to defeat Alcaraz in the Australian Open and Alexander Zverev in Roland Garros in 2025. However, his performance against a dominant Sinner in Wimbledon (6-3 6-3 6-4) fell far short of expectations. "I feel like I am playing against Alcaraz or Sinner with only half of my tank," Nole stated after his recent loss to the Italian player. Nevertheless, he keeps his hopes alive for a successful US Open 2025 where he should achieve certain objectives to increase his chances of success.

- Objective: Climb positions in the ranking

Djokovic has a lot of room for improvement compared to his main competitors in the top 10 of the ranking. He is the second player with the least points to defend (100) on the entire tour, which were the points he earned by unexpectedly losing in the third round of the 2024 US Open against Alexei Popyrin (6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4). Only Alcaraz defends fewer points (60), while players like Zverev, Taylor Fritz, or Jack Draper have to maintain over 1,000 points each to avoid dropping in the rankings.

Djokovic should seize the opportunity to try to secure at least the fourth spot in the world rankings before the US Open, and this way he would avoid facing both Sinner and Alcaraz, his main challenges in recent times, at least until the semifinals. In such an important event like the final Grand Slam of the season, avoiding strong opponents until the later rounds can be crucial to have a chance at the title, especially at 38 years old.

- Serious threats

Beyond the well-known faces of Alcaraz, Sinner, or Zverev, there are serious contenders in the top 20 of the ATP rankings who could have a great run on hard courts. Jakub Mensik already showed his capabilities by winning the crown at the 2025 Miami Open, notably defeating Djokovic in the final (7-6 7-6). His powerful drive shots and service perfectly suit faster court surfaces. A similar style based on power is displayed by Ben Shelton, another candidate to match his semifinal appearance from 2023.

Additionally, Tommy Paul and Alex De Miñaur also pose a threat outside the current top 10. These players rely on technique and game variation, with De Miñaur potentially presenting a significant physical challenge on his favorite courts.

Andrey Rublev and Frances Tiafoe have not yet shown their best form this season, making it a crucial moment for both to demonstrate why they hold the tenth and eleventh positions, respectively. Lastly, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper pose a significant threat on hard courts due to the complete game they display under these fast conditions.

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