Novak Djokovic’s latest decision could backfire in his search for a 25th Grand Slam

One of those final appearances came earlier this year at the Australian Open, where Djokovic was denied by Carlos Alcaraz after dethroning defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

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Following a third-round exit at Roland Garros, his next best attempt was recorded at Wimbledon, with the 39-year-old advancing to the semifinals before losing to Sinner.

The US Open marks Djokovic‘s fourth and final opportunity of the season to become a Grand Slam winner once again, but he may have just hindered his chances with his most recent scheduling decision.

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On Thursday, Djokovic confirmed he will feature at the 2026 Cincinnati Open for the first time in three years.

Djokovic’s announcement follows his withdrawal from the Canadian Open, which Sinner also pulled out of.

His last appearance at the Cincinnati Open came during the 2023 season, when he emerged victorious in a remarkable final against Alcaraz to win a record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 title.

That campaign marked the last time Djokovic recorded a lengthy run at a Masters 1000 competition immediately before a Grand Slam.

Ultimately, that run paid dividends for Djokovic, as he went on to win the US Open later that summer, but things are much different for him than they were three years ago.

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Djokovic has struggled physically in many of his Grand Slam appearances over the past two years, having run out of gas by the time he reaches the semifinals, where he has often had to play either Sinner or Alcaraz.

There is a strong chance Alcaraz is unlikely to be at 100% fitness at the US Open this year, giving Djokovic a slight advantage.

But Djokovic may have just cancelled out that advantage by entering the Cincinnati Open.

Should he go far at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, which finishes a week before the main draw of the US Open starts, Djokovic might not enter New York with the tank as full as he needs it to be.

Novak Djokovic could have just one day of rest ahead of US Open

Djokovic is not just competing in singles at the US Open this year, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion set to partner up with Aryna Sabalenka in mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows.

He and Sabalenka join a star-studded lineup of pairings, including Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, as well as Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina.

The mixed doubles competition starts on the 25th of August in the week before the main draw of the singles tournaments.

That means if Djokovic reaches the final of the Cincinnati Open (23rd of August), he may have just one day’s rest before being back in action at the US Open.