Djokovic Targets New Grand Slam Records at US Open, Amid Controversy Surrounding Rival Sinner

Novak Djokovic, fresh from his emotional Olympic triumph, is set to embark on a quest to break new Grand Slam records at the US Open. The 37-year-old Serbian tennis star, who has been struggling to maintain his top ranking amidst a new generation of players, is poised to become the oldest Open era champion at the tournament, a record he would share with Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. Djokovic's journey to the final major of the year comes at a critical time, following a series of setbacks, including being succeeded as Australian Open champion by Jannik Sinner and losing his world number one ranking to Carlos Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Sinner, who has been embroiled in controversy over two positive drugs tests, arrives at the US Open with a cloud of doubt hanging over his head, having been cleared of any wrongdoing after officials accepted his explanation that the banned substance was a result of contamination from a support team member.

Key Takeaways:

• Djokovic is targeting new Grand Slam records, including becoming the oldest Open era champion and moving to 25 Grand Slam triumphs, surpassing his current shared record with Margaret Court.
• Djokovic has had a tough year, being succeeded as Australian Open champion by Sinner and losing his world number one ranking to Carlos Alcaraz.
• Sinner has been embroiled in controversy over two positive drugs tests, which he was cleared of, but Australian player Nick Kyrgios blasted his punishment as "ridiculous".
• Coco Gauff, the defending champion in women's singles, has endured a worrying dip in form in recent weeks, including a stormy exit from the Olympics in the third round.
• Iga Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, has also battled to find form, being defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in the Cincinnati semi-finals.

Statistics:

• Djokovic is 37 years old and has 99 professional titles, including his 2024 Olympic triumph.
• Sinner is 23 years old and has won the Cincinnati Masters title, but faced controversy over two positive drugs tests.
• Alcaraz is 21 years old and was badly bruised by his defeat to Djokovic in the Olympic final, which he described as the "worst match" of his career.
• No woman has successfully defended her US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.
• Gauff is 20 years old and has endured a worrying dip in form, with early losses in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Sources:

• Official news agency of Bangladesh (BSS)
• Interview with Novak Djokovic
• Statement from Jannik Sinner
• Report from the US Open website
• Article from The Guardian