Novak Djokovic has never been short of self-awareness, and a recent CBS Mornings interview proved that hasn't changed. When asked to identify his biggest rival heading into the 2026 US Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion offered a characteristically sharp answer: himself.
"Myself, always," he said with a smile, a response that was half joke, half philosophical truth from a player still chasing greatness at an age when most professionals have long since hung up their rackets.
At 39, Djokovic is targeting something no man has ever accomplished, becoming the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in tennis history. His most recent major title came at the 2023 US Open, and Flushing Meadows holds a special place in his story. He has lifted the trophy there four times, in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023, making it one of his most successful hunting grounds.
His path to a potential fifth title won't be easy. Earlier this month at Wimbledon, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner eliminated him in the semi-finals before going on to claim the championship. Yet Djokovic insists the US Open's electricity keeps drawing him back, calling Arthur Ashe Stadium the biggest arena in the sport and describing the tournament as the most entertaining Grand Slam on the calendar.
Beyond the tennis, Djokovic opened up about the personal sacrifices involved in continuing to compete at the highest level. He credited his wife Jelena as an emotional anchor, acknowledging that reduced scheduling is now a deliberate choice, one driven by his desire to be fully present for his children Stefan and Tara.
With Djokovic hunting history in New York this August, TennisDraw users will be watching closely to see how far their bracket picks follow the legendary Serb's run.
