US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic has made his much awaited return to the US Open. The 36-year old began his campaign with a dominating 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 victory against Alexandre Muller. With the win, he became the World No.1 in the rankings surpassing Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian can also break a host of records during the course of his campaign at the Flushing Meadows this year. Listed below are five records that the 36-year old can achieve while playing in the US Open this year.
Also Read: ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic regains Word No.1 ranking, set to retain top spot after US Open
First man to win three Grand Slams in a calendar year four times
Novak Djokovic missed an opportunity to achieve a calendar Grand Slam in 2023. After winning the Australian Open and French Open, he came close to winning the WImbledon. However his hopes of winning 24th Grand Slam title was dashed by Carlos Alcaraz. The 20-year old Spaniard clinched a 5-7, 7-6, 7-6 win in the final.
Despite missing the calendar Grand Slam this year, Djokovic can still create a record.
could break his tie with Roger Federer (Switzerland) and become the sole holder of the record for the male player with the most amount of three grand slam tournament wins in a calendar year (both have achieved this feat 3 times, this could be Djokovic’s fourth if he wins.
First Man in Open era to reach 10 finals in multiple Grand Slams
Novak Djokovic has an opportunity to create a big feat if he makes it to the final in the US Open this year. He will become the first-ever man in the Open era to reach 10 finals in multiple Grand Slam events.
So far, Djokovic has made 10 appearances in the final at the Australian Open. He has won the title every time he has reached the final in the tournament. However out of 9 appearances in the US Open final, Djokovic managed to win the title only thrice.
The only other player in Tennis history to reach 10 finals in two Grand Slam events is Serena Williams. The American played in 10 finals at the US Open. She has also made 11 appearances in the summit clash at Wimbledon.
Equal Serena William’s record of Most Appearances in Final
Novak Djokovic currently holds the record for making most appearances in the US Open Men’s Singles final. The three-time champion at the Flushing Meadows has played in the final nines times in the year-end Grand Slam event. No other men’s player has so far reached the summit clash nine times in their career.
The 36-year old is looking to extend his record this year. He entered the tournament after winning the Cincinnati Masters title and is one of the firm favourites to reach the final once again.
Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl trails Djokovic in this record. They have made it to the final eight times each. Sampras won five titles, while Ivan Lendl became the champion thrice. If Djokovic manages to reach the final at New York this year, he will equal Serena Williams’ record of 10 final appearances in the tournament.
Most semi-finals appearances in Grand Slams
A semifinal appearance at the US Open this year will help Djokovic break another record. He is currently on level with Roger Federer for the most semi-finals appearances in Grand Slams. Both the players have made it to the last-four stage in Grand Slams 46 times in their career so far.
He has had an incredible record in Grand Slams this year. At the start of the season, he won back-to-back titles in Australian Open and French Open. While at the Wimbledon he finished as runner-up. Placed in an easy quarter in the US Open this year, he it would be a surprise only of Djokovic does not go past the semifinal.
Oldest player to win title in Open era
Novak Djokovic is in line to become the oldest Men’s Singles Grand Slam champion in the Open era. None of the players, aged 36, won a Grand Slam title in the Men’s Singles so far.
Ken Rosewall is currently the oldest men’s singles Grand Slam champion. He was 35 years and 315 days old when he lifted the Wimbledon title in 1974. This record stands for 49 years now. Djokovic had a chance to break this record at the Wimbledon earlier this year. The Serbian however went down in the final after losing against Carlos Alcaraz.
With inputs from Wettfreunde
