*Djokovic - Navone: 6h on 31/8, Hanoi time.

Djokovic is set to face Argentine opponent Mariano Navone in the first evening session on Arthur Ashe court, marking their inaugural encounter. Navone, ranked 48th globally, achieved his best grand slam result last year by reaching the third round of Roland Garros.

However, attention will primarily focus on Djokovic's physical condition. The Serbian recently lost to Thiago Agustin Tirante in the second round of the Cincinnati Open, struggling with the hot and humid conditions. This followed his semifinal exit at Wimbledon against Jannik Sinner.

At 39 years old, Djokovic continues his pursuit of the most significant remaining milestone in his career. He holds 24 grand slam titles, equaling Margaret Court's all-time record, but has yet to secure his 25th since winning the 2023 US Open. During this period, Djokovic reached two more grand slam finals, including the Australia Open this year, and six other semifinals.

Novak Djokovic playing with Aryna Sabalenka in the mixed doubles round of 16 at the US Open, against Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova at Flushing Meadows, New York on 25/8. Photo: Reuters

His chances in New York this year are enhanced by Jannik Sinner's withdrawal due to a knee injury. The Italian player has been sidelined since winning his fifth grand slam at Wimbledon in july.

Carlos Alcaraz represents another focal point in the men's draw. The defending champion recently returned after a four-month wrist injury layoff and is seeded second. He shares a bracket with Djokovic, setting up a potential semifinal clash. Alcaraz will commence his campaign tomorrow against Roman Safiullin, who defeated him at the 2023 Paris Masters.

The top half of the draw features Alexander Zverev, seeded first following Sinner's withdrawal. The German faces Lorenzo Sonego in the first round and avoids both Alcaraz and Djokovic until the final. Other seeds include Felix Auger-Aliassime, Flavio Cobolli, Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz.

This US Open may also mark the final chapters for several careers. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 champion, received a late wildcard entry and will play Matteo Berrettini on opening day. Should he win, the Swiss player could potentially meet Djokovic again in the second round, exactly 10 years after defeating the Serbian in the Flushing Meadows final. Gael Monfils is also participating in his final grand slam before retiring at the end of the season.

In the women's singles, Aryna Sabalenka enters the tournament aiming for her third consecutive title. The Belarusian is the top seed and will face Camila Osorio in her first-round match tomorrow. Successfully defending her title would make Sabalenka the first woman to win three consecutive New York crowns since Serena Williams in 2014.

However, Sabalenka's world number one ranking faces pressure. Elena Rybakina, this year's Australia Open champion, is seeded second and has an opportunity to claim the WTA top spot. Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Linda Noskova, Karolina Muchova, and Iga Swiatek complete the top eight seeds.

Pegula is among the prominent players competing on opening day. The third seed continues her pursuit of a first grand slam, facing Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her initial match on Arthur Ashe court on 30/8. The American's best major performance was reaching the 2024 US Open final, where she lost to Sabalenka. Pegula believes she is a more complete player now than two years ago and aims to contend for the championship once more.

The presence of Venus Williams also generates significant interest on day one. At 46 years old and ranked 611th globally, the American legend received a wildcard entry for her 26th main draw appearance at the US Open. She will face 2020 Australia Open champion Sofia Kenin in the first round.

Venus has won seven grand slam singles titles, including two consecutive New York championships in 2000 and 2001. She is also competing in women's doubles with her sister Serena Williams, marking a reunion for the dominant sibling duo.

This year's US Open runs for 15 days, from 30/8 to 13/9, on hard courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. The tournament's predecessor was first held in Newport in 1881 before relocating to New York and becoming the final grand slam on the annual calendar.

This year's tournament sets a prize money record. The total disbursement to players reaches 108 million USD, a 20% increase from 90 million USD in 2025, marking the highest in tennis history. Men's and women's singles champions will each receive 5,5 million USD, while runners-up get 2,8 million USD. Even first-round losers will earn 140.000 USD, a 27% increase from last year.

Carlos Alcaraz and Sabalenka are the two defending champions. Last year, Alcaraz defeated Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his second Flushing Meadows title. Sabalenka overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3), successfully defending her women's singles crown.

In US Open men's singles history, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer collectively hold the record with five titles each in the Open Era. Djokovic has won four times and is currently the oldest champion, having lifted the trophy in 2023 at 36 years old. The Serbian will begin his journey toward the 25th grand slam milestone under the Arthur Ashe lights on the evening of 30/8 (New York time).

Vy Anh