8 semi-finals, 11 slams, 25th place: Can Novak Djokovic finally end his Grand Slam drought at US Open 2026?

Novak Djokovic during practice at the US Open in New York. (AP photo) Three years after winning his historic 24th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic returns to New York, still chasing the elusive 25th. At 39, the Serbian legend is still capable of competing with the best – but with time running out, can the stars finally align at Flushing Meadows?The last time Djokovic stood on Arthur Ashe Stadium in a Grand Slam final, he made history.On 10 September 2023, Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev to win the US Open and claim his 24th Grand Slam singles title, tying Margaret Court’s record.Almost three years later, that number has not changed.So the 2026 US Open is more than just another big tournament. It’s another attempt to break a record that has stubbornly remained just out of reach.However, to call the period since his triumph in 2023 a slump would be misleading.Djokovic continued to reach the latter stages of Grand Slams with remarkable consistency. He has reached the semifinals or better in eight of the last 11 majors, including two finals.What he couldn’t win was.

Djokovic keeps getting closer – but No. 25 remains elusive

The Serbian’s Grand Slam record since his 2023 US Open triumph tells the story.The numbers highlight an interesting discrepancy.Djokovic has been a semifinalist or better in eight of the 11 Slams, but has failed to add a single title to his collection. His two finals appearances came at Wimbledon in 2024 and the Australian Open in 2026, while his last deep run ended in the 2026 Wimbledon semi-finals against Jannik Sinner.It’s not a case of the 39-year-old suddenly becoming unable to compete with the best.Rather, Djokovic remained good enough to get within touching distance of another major – but not good enough to make the final move. And that difference could be crucial in New York.

Longest wait for a Slam since his first title?

If Djokovic fails again at the 2026 US Open, his wait for a Grand Slam title will stretch to 12 consecutive majors.That would be extraordinary for a player who has dominated men’s tennis for so long.After winning his first major at the 2008 Australian Open, Djokovic endured an 11-slam wait before claiming his second at the 2011 Australian Open. He was 23 when the drought finally ended.After a later slump, he went eight Slams without a title before ending that wait by winning Wimbledon in 2018.However, from his 13th major, Djokovic was just six years away from reaching 24th.This makes its current drought historically significant.For the first time since the early years of his career, Djokovic faces the possibility of going three years without winning a Grand Slam.The difference now is of course in age. He was 23 years old when he ended his first major drought. He is now 39.

Alcaraz and Sinner changed everything

Age is only part of the explanation for Djokovic’s inability to turn deep runs into another title.The arrival of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was a bigger factor.Since Djokovic won his 24th major in New York in 2023, Alcaraz and Sinner have won 10 of the last 11 Grand Slam titles, with Alexander Zverev winning the 2026 French Open.That is perhaps the most telling statistic in Djokovic’s pursuit.He was not pushed out of the elite. He simply met a new generation that was extremely difficult to beat when the stakes are highest.Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic three times in Grand Slam finals, while Sinner has emerged as the next big obstacle.Still, Djokovic’s head-to-head matches show why he cannot simply be written off. He is 5-5 against Alcaraz and only 5-6 behind Sinner.That’s remarkable for a player approaching 40.The difference is that the younger pair have been more efficient in converting their opportunities into Grand Slam trophies.

The 2026 US Open could finally give Djokovic an opening

This is what makes the 2026 US Open particularly interesting.The draw brought circumstances to Djokovic that have been lacking in several of his recent Grand Slam attempts.Most importantly, Sinner is missing after retiring with a knee injury.Alcaraz, meanwhile, is returning from a long layoff with a wrist injury, leaving questions about whether he can immediately reproduce his best Grand Slam tennis.Djokovic also avoided 2026 French Open winner Zverev until a potential final.His planned journey is difficult but manageable, with a potential quarter-final against Medvedev and Alcaraz among the biggest threats in the latter stages.Compared to recent Slams, Djokovic has one big advantage: one of his two biggest young rivals is absent and the other is returning from injury.The stars, at least on paper, appear to be aligned.

Novak Djokovic (AP Photo)

But Djokovic’s biggest opponent may be time

There is one factor that the draw cannot eliminate: age.Djokovic’s physical toughness has been one of the defining features of his career. Even at 39, he continues to produce performances that would be extraordinary for almost any other player.His Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024 was proof that he can still summon his best tennis for a huge occasion.But its overall record since 2023 also reflects the reality of aging.He has only won one title in 2024 and two in 2025, while remaining without a title in 2026 before the US Open. His last appearance at the ATP Finals also came in 2023, with injuries increasingly affecting his schedule.Preparation therefore became another question mark.Djokovic no longer needs to dominate the season. He needs to produce two perfect weeks. At 39, it’s much harder.

Can Djokovic finally win number 25?

The answer is yes – but perhaps never before has Djokovic’s Grand Slam campaign had so many qualifiers.It’s still pretty good. The numbers prove it.Eight semifinals or better in his last 11 slams shows he’s still capable of navigating the toughest tournaments in tennis. Two of those runs ended up in the finals.But he’s not as big a favorite as he used to be.Alcaraz and Sinner have won 10 of the last 11 majors. Djokovic was repeatedly stopped at or just before the final hurdle. And at 39, each Grand Slam represents a diminishing opportunity to add to a record that already borders on untouchability.However, the 2026 US Open may be different. Sinner is missing. Alcaraz returns from injury. Zverev is on the second half.Djokovic has four US Open titles and 10 New York finals to his name, giving him experience that few in the business can match. And most importantly, they still believe.Three years after his last Grand Slam triumph, Djokovic is back at the site of his greatest recent triumph with the same goal: 25.The question is no longer whether he can reach the final stages. He answered this repeatedly.The question is whether he can win the two games that have eluded him for nearly three years — and finally turn 24 into 25.At 39, this could be his last big chance. And that could make the 2026 US Open the most impressive chapter yet in Djokovic’s extraordinary bid for history.