Novak Djokovic made his return to tennis in New York, competing in the US Open mixed doubles tournament.
The 24-time major champion was last seen in action at Wimbledon, where Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
Returning to make his Grand Slam mixed doubles debut at the new-look US Open event, Djokovic partnered with his fellow Serb, Olga Danilovic.
Unfortunately for Djokovic and Danilovic, they failed to win a match, losing out to the Russian pair of Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva in straight sets.
After the match, Djokovic thanked the US Open for the wild card on social media, and said he ‘always’ has fun playing with Danilovic.
Danilovic has now sent a message of her own, reflecting on their brief stint in the tournament.
Olga Danilovic says it’s ‘always an honor’ to share the court with Novak Djokovic
The 24-year-old WTA Tour star took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the experience.
“Always an honor sharing the court with the greatest, Novak Djokovic,” she said.
“And thank you for the wild card US Open.”
Djokovic and Danilovic had previously played mixed doubles together at the 2024 United Cup, when Serbia took on China in Perth.
Emerging victorious in a match tiebreak, Djokovic and Danilovic won 6-4, 1-6, [10-6], clinching the tie for Serbia.
The pair now holds a 1-1 record together in mixed doubles, after their disappointing first-round exit at Flushing Meadows.
Only time will tell if they will return to the court for next year’s United Cup or future Grand Slam mixed doubles tournaments, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
Is Olga Danilovic Serbia’s best hope for a Grand Slam title after Novak Djokovic?
During his illustrious career, Djokovic has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, dominating the ATP Tour for several years.
Beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the 2008 Australian Open final, Djokovic became the first Serbian to win a major title, setting the bar high for his fellow countrymen and women to follow.
Inspired by Djokovic’s greatness, several Serbian players currently reside in the world’s top 100, although few look set to challenge for Grand Slam titles.
| Serbian rank | ATP/WTA Rank | Name | Career titles |
| 1 | 7 (ATP) | Novak Djokovic | 100 |
| 2 | 41 (WTA) | Olga Danilovic | 2 |
| 3 | 45 (ATP) | Miomir Kecmanovic | 2 |
| 4 | 65 (ATP) | Hamad Medjedovic | 0 |
| 5 | 72 (ATP) | Laslo Djere | 3 |
Danilovic is the second-ranked Serbian player behind Djokovic, but hasn’t quite lived up to the potential she showed as a junior.
Winning three Grand Slam doubles titles as a junior and reaching number five in the ITF [International Tennis Federation] rankings, many predicted big things for Danilovic.
At 24 years of age, there could still be plenty of success ahead of the world number 41, but at this stage, it seems unlikely she will follow in Djokovic’s Grand Slam-winning footsteps.
Danilovic has yet to make a breakthrough at the major tournaments and is still looking for a maiden quarterfinal appearance.
Twice, she’s lost in the fourth round, to Marketa Vondrousova at the 2024 French Open, and to Paula Badosa at the 2025 Australian Open.
She’ll be hoping to go one better in New York, although her previous results at the US Open don’t inspire much confidence.
Olga Danilovic’s US Open record
- 2018 US Open – Lost in Q2 to Jaimee Fourlis
- 2021 US Open – Withdrew before 2R
- 2022 US Open – Lost in Q1 to Lizette Cabrera
- 2023 US Open – Lost in Q1 to Priscilla Hon
- 2024 US Open – Lost in Q1 to Gao Xinyu
After losing in the first round of qualifying three years in a row, Danilovic will be pleased to have gained entry into the main draw in 2025.
She will find out her first-round opponent on Thursday, August 21, when the US Open draw ceremony takes place.
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