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Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina declare readiness for US Open
Djokovic aims for his 25th grand slam title while Rybakina targets the world No. 1 ranking after recovering from a foot injury.
The short version
- Novak Djokovic stated he is in optimal shape for the US Open after using an early defeat at the Cincinnati Open to spend two weeks training and recovering.
- Elena Rybakina declared herself recovered from a recent foot injury that forced her to retire during her quarter-final match in Cincinnati.
- Rybakina enters the tournament as the second seed and holds an opportunity to claim the No. 1 world ranking for the first time.
Key facts
- Novak Djokovic is aiming for a 25th grand slam title at the US Open after playing only once since his Wimbledon semi-final run.[The Guardian]
- Djokovic lost his opening match at the Cincinnati Open to Thiago Agustín Tirante while struggling with the humidity.[The Guardian]
- Jannik Sinner is absent from the tournament due to injury, and Carlos Alcaraz is returning for the first time after a four-and-a-half-month wrist injury sidelining.[The Guardian]
- Elena Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, is starting the tournament at No. 1 in the live rankings.[The Guardian]
- Rybakina can be overtaken in the rankings only if Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, or Jessica Pegula win the title and Rybakina does not reach the semi-finals.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It remains to be seen how Rybakina's foot will hold up under tournament conditions after she experienced severe pain while walking and serving in Cincinnati.[The Guardian]