Novak Djokovic is on the verge of creating more history as he laces up in preparation to defend his US Open title.
The 37-year-old further cemented his status as the greatest ever after he added Olympic gold to his resume – the missing piece in the proverbial puzzle that is his illustrious career.
Djokovic opted to skip the Cincinnati Open last week – where he was also the reigning champion – in a bid to focus his efforts on the final major of the year.
This highlights the importance of his upcoming campaign at Flushing Meadows, where he is aiming to pull clear of Margaret Court at the top of the grand slam standings with a dazzling 25th crown.
But, with the US Open draw being made on Thursday, what is the likelihood that the Serbian will be successful?
What did Patrick McEnroe say about Novak Djokovic’s draw at the US Open?
Novak Djokovic will be aiming to deny Carlos Alcaraz of achieving the spectacular feat of winning the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in the same year when he takes to the court next week.
However, the 24-time major champion has discovered that he will have to wait until the final for a projected clash with the Spaniard.
After seeing this, former grand slam doubles champion Patrick McEnroe appears to fancy Djokovic’s chances this year.
“Here is the bottom line on the top half of the men’s draw,” McEnroe told ESPN. “Coming into the tournament, the four favourites – three of them are in the top half of the draw.
“The other one being Djokovic, the number two seed. [Alexander] Zverev, you kind of put in there, similar to [Daniil] Medvedev, but the two favorites are [Jannik] Sinner and Alcaraz and then Medvedev is the next guy, I would say, after Novak.
“Very interesting these three ended up. Overall I would say very good news for Djokovic because now he only has to beat one of those guys to win the tournament.”
Is it really good news for Djokovic?
Djokovic will be pleased with the fact that he will avoid world number one Jannik Sinner, and former champions Daniil Medvedev and Alcaraz until the final.
However, danger could await during the first week for Djokovic, coming in the form of native hope in Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, either of whom could face the Serb in the fourth round.
Tiafoe, who appears to be peaking at just the right time, is no stranger to success on US soil, having reached the semi-finals in 2022.
Shelton also captured the hearts of Americans after he stormed through to the same stage last time out, only to be despatched by Djokovic.
Despite this, both players could pose a significant threat to an ailing Djokovic on their days.
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