Djokovic Confident Heading Into US Open

Despite an up-and-down past few months by his standards, top seed Novak Djokovic said he still feels like he’s at the top of his game and that he’s ready to defend his US Open title in New York starting next week.

The two-time US Open champion (2011, 2015) will look to secure his third Grand Slam championship of the season and his 13^th career major title. His third championship in New York would bring him one title closer to all-time ATP World Tour greats Rafael Nadal, this year’s fourth seed, and Pete Sampras. Another New York crown would also give Djokovic his 48^th “Big Title”, helping him pass Federer as the No. 1 “Big Title” King.

“I obviously had a phenomenal Grand Slam career that I’m very proud of and very grateful for. I’m 29 at the moment and believe that I’m at a peak of my abilities as a tennis player. I’ll try to keep that peak as consistent and enduring as much as possible,” Djokovic said. “It’s a privilege to be mentioned alongside all the legends of the sport that have won ten-plus Grand Slams and made history books.”

The Belgrade native will look to return to his customary Grand Slam championship dominance after his Wimbledon hiccup earlier this season. Djokovic’s third-round loss at SW19 to American Sam Querrey was his earliest defeat at a Grand Slam championship since 2009. It also snapped Djokovic’s 30-match Grand Slam championship winning streak, the best of the Open Era.

“I’ve been very fortunate to play on a very high, consistent level at Grand Slams,” Djokovic said. “The third-round loss… allowed me to reflect on things and allowed me to take some time and really regroup.”

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The Serbian more than bounced back, though. He didn’t drop a set en route to his record 30^th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title at the Rogers Cup in Toronto (d. Nishikori).

“I’ve had a phenomenal season – definitely rank this season one of the best that I’ve had in [my] career,” said Djokovic, who is 51-5 this season.

During recent weeks, he said his left wrist has started to bother him but that he’s feeling better and confident heading into the US Open. He has reached at least the semi-finals in Flushing Meadows the past nine years.

Djokovic Through The Years At The US Open