Djokovic aims to avoid 20-year US Open low
Novak Djokovic must win three matches at the US Open to reach the fourth round and avoid his worst Grand Slam season since 2006.
Novak Djokovic must reach the fourth round at the US Open to avoid completing his worst Grand Slam season in two decades. The 39-year-old has won 12 matches across the three majors so far in 2026.
Djokovic won five matches as runner-up at the Australian Open, two in a third-round exit at the French Open, and five more in a semi-final run at Wimbledon. His total of 12 wins puts him on the brink of a 20-year low.
The Stakes in New York
Djokovic has recorded fewer than 12 Grand Slam match wins in only two completed seasons where he played all four majors: 2005 and 2006. A first-round exit in New York would leave him stuck on 12 for the year, matching those lows. Winning three matches to reach the fourth round would give him 15 wins for the season, equaling his 2009 tally.
The path to that crucial fourth round begins against Argentina's Mariano Navone, a player ranked 43 places below him. A potential second-round clash awaits against either Stan Wawrinka or Matteo Berrettini. Djokovic has previously lost to Wawrinka at the US Open.
A third-round meeting with Cameron Norrie is likely. Djokovic holds a perfect 7-0 record against the British player, who famously knocked Carlos Alcaraz out of the Paris Masters last year. You can review more potential fixtures for the tournament.
A Treacherous Draw Awaits
Should Djokovic navigate the first week, his draw becomes significantly more difficult. In-form American Brandon Nakashima is a potential fourth-round opponent. Nakashima has been a surprise package on the US hard-court swing, reaching semi-finals in Washington and Cincinnati and the final in Montreal. On current form, some analysts suggest Djokovic could be the underdog in that matchup.
Looking further ahead, a quarter-final against former champion Daniil Medvedev is possible, though Medvedev has struggled lately on tour. The semi-finals could pit Djokovic against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard's form is a topic of debate; some pundits back him to win the title, while others, like Greg Rusedski, doubt he will win a match.
The final could then feature French Open champion Alexander Zverev, widely considered a serious title contender. For more on player form and injuries, check our dedicated pages.
Djokovic's first-round match against Mariano Navone is scheduled for Sunday, August 30. All eyes will be on whether the veteran can secure the three wins needed to avert his worst Grand Slam season since 2006.
Source: Tennishead