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Tag: Novak Djokovic

  • Novak Djokovic Praises Serena Williams’ Comeback Ahead of US Open Appearance

    Novak Djokovic Praises Serena Williams’ Comeback Ahead of US Open Appearance

    Novak Djokovic has praised Serena Williams’ “epic” return to professional tennis ahead of her expected appearance at the US Open.

    Speaking to PEOPLE about his Prime Video documentary, Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, the 39-year-old tennis star hailed Williams’ comeback at the age of 44, four years after her last professional match.

    Novak Djokovic praises Serena Williams’ comeback

    “Serena is an inspiration. Serena is epic,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of what she’s doing after two children, coming back and attempting to compete at the highest level in Slams.”

    He added, “Regardless of what she does, it’s already incredibly inspiring. We should all enjoy her presence.”

    Will Novak Djokovic play into his 40s?

    Asked whether he could see himself continuing to play in his 40s, Djokovic said, “I don’t want to be missing out on different events of close family members.”

    “I’ve lived an incredibly fulfilling, successful professional life. In a sense, you have to be kind of selfish as an individual athlete to be pursuing your career, and everyone else is supportive of you.”

    Novak Djokovic addresses retirement questions

    After more than two decades in professional tennis, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is accustomed to questions about when he will retire. However, he acknowledged that the frequency of those questions can be frustrating.

    “I do understand that people would like to know exactly when the moment is coming, but I don’t know it yet myself,” he said. “I’d like to play till Olympics ’28, which is in two years. But let’s see.”

    The Prime Video documentary follows Djokovic’s journey from growing up in war-torn Yugoslavia in the 1990s to becoming one of the greatest tennis players in history. Djokovic hopes viewers will connect with the “universal values” reflected in his story.

    Djokovic returns to the US Open in New York City seeking a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. He will face Mariano Navone in the first round on Sunday, August 30.

    Meanwhile, Williams has received a wild card to compete in the women’s doubles tournament alongside her sister, Venus Williams.

    Source: jang.com.pk

  • US Open 2026 Draw: Carlos Alcaraz Faces Roman Safiullin as Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Arthur Fery Learn First-Round Opponents

    US Open 2026 Draw: Carlos Alcaraz Faces Roman Safiullin as Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Arthur Fery Learn First-Round Opponents

    Carlos Alcaraz begins his US Open title defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin in what will be the first serious test of his fitness since a long-term wrist injury.

    The second-seeded Spaniard, who won the men’s singles title in New York last year, has not played a competitive singles match for more than four months because of inflammation in his right wrist. Despite his limited preparation, the 23-year-old remains one of the leading contenders to win the tournament again, particularly after his great rival Jannik Sinner withdrew because of a knee injury.

    Alcaraz and Sinner have arguably been a cut above the rest of the men’s tour over the past two seasons. However, returning from such a prolonged absence with a delicate wrist problem and defeating the rest of the field would be a remarkable achievement, even for a player of Alcaraz’s generational talent.

    Alcaraz faces immediate fitness test

    The seven-time major champion missed this season’s French Open and Wimbledon because of the injury, which did not require surgery. He returned to court earlier this week in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams.

    Wearing a long compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz did not look entirely convincing during the exhibition-style event. Understandably, he appeared to hold back on his serve and return as he gradually returned to competitive matchplay.

    A five-set Grand Slam singles match will present a significantly greater physical challenge. Safiullin, who possesses a powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, is not an easy opening opponent.

    The 29-year-old Russian reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last month before losing to Novak Djokovic. He is likely to take time away from Alcaraz, test the Spaniard’s durability from the baseline and make him uncomfortable throughout the match.

    Potential US Open route to the semi-finals

    Predicting how a Grand Slam draw will develop is always difficult, but if Alcaraz defeats Safiullin and reaches the fourth round, he could face several further challenges given the length of his absence.

    Based on the seedings, Alcaraz could meet the hard-working American Tommy Paul or the unpredictable Kazakh Alexander Bublik in the last 16.

    Athletic Frenchman Arthur Fils and big-serving American Ben Shelton are possible quarter-final opponents, while Djokovic could await in the semi-finals.

    Only Alcaraz and those closest to him know how his wrist will respond to the demands of five-set matches in the heat of a Grand Slam tournament. His opening challenge at Flushing Meadows, followed by a potentially intimidating second week, should provide the clearest indication.

    Source: www.bbc.co.uk