Naomi Osaka’s former coach suggests Novak Djokovic made a decision which could harm his chances of winning the US Open

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Novak Djokovic may face an obstacle that could prevent him from winning the US Open title this year.

Djokovic last won a Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, which made him a 24-time major champion.

The Serbian has been unable to add to his major tally this year, with Djokovic reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the Australian Open.

Djokovic has made tennis history at the US Open already this year, but the former coach of Naomi Osaka believes that something will stop him going all the way.

Patrick Mouratoglou suggests Novak Djokovic’s recent decision will stop him winning the US Open

Djokovic has claimed that he is still enjoying playing tennis, despite there being speculation about whether the 38-year-old could retire soon.

Despite this, the former world number one has not played many tournaments in 2025, with Djokovic not playing any tournaments between Wimbledon and the US Open.

While Djokovic intentionally missed the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, Osaka’s former coach Patrick Mouratoglou believes this will reduce his chances of making history at the US Open this year.

“Physical and mental freshness, I give him a seven out of 10,” Mouratoglou said in a video on his Instagram. “Before the tournament, I mean anyone would think he would be a 10/10, he didn’t play at all since Wimbledon.

“Looked a little bit out of shape, not in terms of play but in terms of how he spoke after the match, and the fact that he doesn’t play any tournament besides Grand Slams and it looks like it’s a choice now, makes it difficult to be fully able to go through a whole Grand Slam in five sets without feeling tired.”

Patrick Mouratoglou predicts Jannik Sinner to win the US Open

With Mouratoglou playing down Djokovic’s chances of winning the US Open title, it begs the question as to who he actually thinks will triumph in New York.

An ATP player has not defended the US Open singles tournament since Roger Federer won his fifth consecutive title in 2008.

However, Mouratoglou believes that is going to change in 2025, as he has backed world number one Jannik Sinner to defend the US Open title, suggesting that his Wimbledon final victory over Carlos Alcaraz has convinced him.

“His chances here 10/10,” claimed Mouratoglou. “Even though he can be mentally tired, I think he’s the one that is the huge favourite, especially because he beat Alcaraz in the final of Wimbledon, which was important for him, because I feel that before that Carlos had a little mental edge over him, but now, not anymore.”

Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic are the three main US Open title contenders this year, with all three players all into the fourth round of the New York major.

This has been heightened even further with the likes of Jack Draper, Holger Rune and Ben Shelton already out of the US Open.