Novak Djokovic nearly pulled out of US Open and reacts to not winning a Grand Slam in 2024
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise US Open exit in the third round to Alexei Popyrin.
Novak Djokovic revealed that he considered not playing the US Open at all as he dealt with the “emotionally draining” comedown of winning his first Olympic gold medal, the only tennis accolade that previously eluded the Serbian star.
For the first time since 2017, Djokovic has ended the year without a Major title to his name. No member of the ‘Big Three’ comprised of the 37-year-old, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal won a Grand Slam lifted such trophy in 2024. The last time they all missed out was 22 years ago.
Djokovic entered Flushing Meadows without playing a professional match since defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris gold medal match. He came in undercooked and promptly knocked out by world No. 28 Popyrin, then later admitted that he was unaware of his future plans and even contemplated not turning up for the Grand Slam at all.
Related articles
“I am thinking solely about tomorrow and the next week,” Djokovic told Tennis Majors. “I am going to go back to Belgrade and see how I feel.
“I don’t know, to tell you the truth, I have no idea. My game just fell apart. I am not fresh. The conditions here were quick, totally opposite to those where I was practising. It was painful to play and feel like this on the court – at times, I felt like an amateur.
“But that’s the reality, part of sport. The Olympics were very emotionally draining, I was even thinking whether I should come to New York or not, but it’s a Slam. We move forward.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Djokovic is next set to play at the Davis Cup for Serbia in their play-off with Greece, before travelling to China to compete in the Shanghai Masters for the first time since 2019.
He will then head to Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, where he is set to be compensated a minimum of £1.1million for his participation.
And although the 24-time Major winner was unable to add to his stunning tally and move clear of Margaret Court, Djokovic is not too upset with his 2024 campaign.
“I had the feeling that I could go all the way at Roland Garros, but then the injury occurred. I played finals at Wimbledon… the Olympics were my biggest goal, and I played my best tennis in Paris,” he added.
“If it’s that kind of year – me winning a golden Olympic medal without a Slam, I accept it because I’ve been waiting for that gold my whole life. It’s a fact that this is my worst season in terms of results in the last 15 years, I feel that way too, but it is what it is.”
