Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning a 25th major title just increased as US Open draw is revealed

Since then, Djokovic has made two Grand Slam finals: at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships and the 2026 Australian Open.

Who is your pick to win the US Open men’s singles title?

Djokovic’s chances of winning the 2026 US Open increased when world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament, citing a knee issue.

Now, he has been handed another boost after being given a fairly favourable draw.

Novak Djokovic’s path to a 25th major title at the US Open

In the first round of the 2026 US Open, Djokovic will take on world number 48 Mariano Navone, whom he has never faced before at a tour-level event.

In the second round, Djokovic would then face the winner between a struggling Matteo Berrettini and 41-year-old wildcard Stan Wawrinka.

Djokovic’s projected third-round opponent is Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who has not won a singles match across three tournaments on the North American hard-court swing.

Who is stopping Novak Djokovic from winning the US Open?

The highest seed in Djokovic’s quarter of the draw is Daniil Medvedev, followed by Frances Tiafoe and Brandon Nakashima.

Djokovic is in the same half as Carlos Alcaraz, but the Spaniard’s chances of reaching the semifinals are slim, given he has been out for over four months with a wrist injury.

Alcaraz’s quarter of the draw is a competitive one, consisting of Cincinnati Open champion Arthur Fils and Canadian Open champion Ben Shelton.

Novak Djokovic could have one last match with Stan Wawrinka

Djokovic’s potential second-round opponent, Wawrinka, was a late addition to the men’s singles draw in New York.

Wawrinka received a last-minute wildcard for the tournament after Patrick Kypson withdrew.

The Swiss is retiring at the end of the 2026 season, and has enjoyed one last dance at each of the Grand Slams.

Wawrinka last played Djokovic at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships and lost in straight sets.

Djokovic leads the head-to-head with Wawrinka 21-6, but has lost to him in two Grand Slam finals: Roland Garros 2015 and the US Open 2016.