Three Records, One Tournament: Djokovic's US Open Challenge

Novak Djokovic will arrive at the 2026 US Open with more than just another Grand Slam title in his sights. The 39-year-old Serbian has the opportunity to rewrite the record books at Flushing Meadows by chasing three significant milestones during the season's final major.

Fresh off a run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, Djokovic will be aiming to add a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title while also eclipsing two long-standing US Open records held by American great Jimmy Connors.

Here's a look at the milestones on the line.

1. Record 25th Grand Slam title

Djokovic's biggest objective remains winning a 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would extend his all-time record in men's tennis.

The Serbian currently holds 24 major titles and has reached at least the semi-finals of three

Grand Slams this season. Victory in New York would see him move one clear of his own record while further cementing his place among the sport's greatest champions.

2. Oldest US Open men's singles champion

A triumph at Flushing Meadows would also make Djokovic the oldest men's singles champion in US Open history.

The current record belongs to William Larned, who won the title in 1911 at the age of 38 years, 8 months and 3 days. Djokovic, who turned 39 earlier this year, would surpass that mark if he lifts the trophy in September.

3. Most match wins at the US Open

Djokovic is closing in on another record held by Jimmy Connors.

Connors tops the all-time list with 98 match victories at the US Open, while Djokovic currently has 95. A run to the quarter-finals would likely take the Serbian past the American and make him the tournament's winningest player.

Another Connors record within reach

Djokovic could also eclipse Connors' record for the most men's singles matches played at the US Open.

Connors finished his career with 115 appearances in main-draw matches at Flushing Meadows, while Djokovic currently stands on 110. Reaching the semi-finals would see him move beyond the American at the top of that list.

Will Novak Djokovic play before the US Open?

Djokovic is currently entered for the Cincinnati Open, the final ATP Masters 1000 event before the US Open.

However, his participation remains uncertain. The Serbian skipped both Cincinnati and the Canadian Open in 2024 and 2025, opting instead to head straight to New York to prepare for the year's final Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic to capitalise on Wimbledon momentum

Djokovic heads into the North American hard-court swing after another deep run at Wimbledon.

He produced one of the tournament's standout matches by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in a marathon quarter-final that lasted five hours and 15 minutes before his campaign ended in the semi-finals against eventual finalist Jannik Sinner.

At last year's US Open, Djokovic also reached the semi-finals, where he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz.

With history on the line once again, the Serbian will be aiming to arrive at Flushing Meadows in peak condition as he bids to add yet another chapter to his remarkable career.