Before the US Open, Djokovic enjoys his free time at a baseball stadium

World No. 7 Novak Djokovic has been clear about his ambitions for the end of his career: only major titles, and therefore Grand Slams, interest him now. The Serbian, seeking a 25th Grand Slam title since his victory at the US Open in 2023, is now trying to conserve his energy as much as possible.

Djokovic hasn’t played a single match since his semifinal loss at Wimbledon to Jannik Sinner (6-3, 6-3, 6-4). After skipping the two North American Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati, the former world No. 1 enjoyed some rest in Croatia and Montenegro before arriving in New York in recent days.

Freshly arrived, he played the new mixed doubles format alongside his compatriot Olga Danilovic. Now, Djokovic, 38, can focus on his main goal: winning the title at Flushing Meadows.

In fact, he will face Learner Tien on Sunday in the first round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. A four-time US Open champion (2011, 2015, 2018, 2023), Djokovic is aiming for a fifth crown but is still enjoying his final moments of respite before fine-tuning the last details of his preparation, having not played a hardcourt tournament before arriving in the American capital.

In recent hours, the Belgrade native performed the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium, on the sidelines of the baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.