Novak Djokovic sets sights on fifth US Open crown to break 'off the charts' Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner duopoly - 'My top motivation'

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Novak Djokovic is hoping that the 2025 US Open will see him win his first Grand Slam since 2023, after reaching the semi-final stage in major tournaments three times this year. The 38-year-old knows he has to break through the "off-the-charts" rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner if he wants to leave Flushing Meadows as a five-time US Open champion.

‘I would love that’ – Djokovic out to break Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly with US Open victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic is still driven by the prospect of winning a Grand Slam after falling at the semi-final stage three times in 2025.

The Serbian reached the final four of the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, losing to Jannik Sinner at both Roland-Garros and in SW19.

Flushing Meadows was the site of his last Grand Slam win two years ago, and his only titles since have come at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and the Geneva Open in May this year.

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"Grand Slams still remain the top motivation when it comes to results, when it comes to winning or dreaming of winning another Slam," Djokovic told TNT Sports' Mats Wilander.

"I would love to experience that, that's why I'm here. I played three semi-finals in three Slams this year.

"It's a pity that I couldn't make another step in one of them to fight for the title, but I'm hoping that can be the case here."

Another US Open title win would be Djokovic's fifth, putting him on a par with Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors in the Open Era.

By 2008, Djokovic was attempting to end the duopoly of Federer and Rafael Nadal at tennis' summit before he became the tour's dominant force in 2011.

Now, in his late 30s, Djokovic has to break the stranglehold that Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's rivalry has on the sport if he wants to add another Grand Slam to his trophy cabinet.

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"Sinner and Alcaraz, the two best players in the world. The quality of tennis they've been producing the last 18 months has been off the charts, honestly," he added.

"The Grand Slam final in Roland-Garros was one of the all-time greatest matches we've seen. Wimbledon was an amazing final as well.

"They keep on playing against each other, which I think is something that fans want to see around the world.

"On a global stage of all sports, people get excited about rivalries, particularly when it comes to individual sports.

"People get excited and want encounters. They bring a lot of energy and a lot of firepower to the court."

Like Alcaraz, Djokovic took part in the mixed doubles in the preliminary week, playing alongside Olga Danilovic and losing in the first round to Daniil Medvedev.

"I haven't played any tournaments since Wimbledon, so I wanted to get at least a match on centre court," he said.

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Video credit: SNTV

"I don't get to play many mixed doubles at all. I think the United Cup a few years ago I played a few. So it was fun.

"Olga and I are friends, I've been kind of mentoring her for a long time. It was great to share the court with her.

"We didn't play so great, but it was fun. It's a different concept and it allowed us to be playing in a week where we would normally practice. The stadium was full and it was amazing to see that."

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