Sport · India Bureau
Djokovic Eyes 25th Grand Slam After Cincinnati Early Exit
The 39-year-old Serbian champion views his first-round loss at Cincinnati as valuable preparation time ahead of the U.S. Open, where he will seek his fifth title at Flushing Meadows.
LSN India ·
Novak Djokovic is approaching the U.S. Open with renewed optimism following his unexpected first-round elimination at Cincinnati earlier this month. The holder of a record 24 Grand Slam titles said the early tournament exit provided him with crucial preparation time rather than a setback.
"It gave me time to be preparing for U.S. Open in a most adequate way," Djokovic said Saturday. "I had almost few weeks, actually two weeks, to really train and get my body and mind into the right state, prepared for what's coming up." His loss at Cincinnati marked his first competitive action since Wimbledon.
Seeded fourth at Flushing Meadows, the 39-year-old will commence his campaign for a 25th Grand Slam championship against Argentina's Mariano Navone, ranked 48th globally, in Sunday evening's opening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite being heavily favored, Djokovic cautioned against complacency.
"The opening matches are always for me, particularly in the last few years, quite challenging," he said, emphasizing the need for focus regardless of his opponent's ranking. The Serbian veteran will be aiming for his fifth U.S. Open crown.