Novak Djokovic’s first match at the US Open was a bit of a litmus test for the Serbian legend because he didn’t play a hardcourt warm-up tournament coming into the year’s final Grand Slam. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he didn’t play the Cincinnati Open because he prefers to focus on the Grand Slams at this stage of his career.

Even at 38 years old, Djokovic has been the third-best player at the Grand Slam tournaments this year, reaching the semi-final of all three prior events.

Andrew Castle feels Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam-winning days may be over, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerging as dominant forces. The Serb, stuck on 24 majors since the 2023 US Open, faces doubts about adding a 25th title amid younger rivals' rise.