What are Novak Djokovic’s chances at the US Open after admitting ‘reality has hit me hard’?

The seven-time Wimbledon champion has not featured in a singles match since his semi-final defeat against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon last month. It could mean he is well rested, or signify rust. He did participate in the US Open's revamped mixed doubles, however.

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It marked his third consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearance this year, but also his third consecutive semi-final loss.

Djokovic, who has claimed the US Open title on four occasions, began the tournament at the All England Club in formidable form but the first-to-three matches every other night took a toll on his body.

After his defeat against Sinner, who ultimately went on to lift the title for the first time in his career after beating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, Djokovic admitted his age was telling and that “reality has hit me”.

"I think, regardless of the fact that I haven't won a Grand Slam this year, or last year, I still feel like I continue to play my best tennis at Grand Slams," Djokovic said, reflecting on his defeat to the world No1.

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“Those are the tournaments that I care about at this stage of my career the most. It's just age, the wear and tear of the body.

“As much as I'm taking care of it, the reality hits me right now, last year and a half, like never before, to be honest. It's tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I'm fresh, when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis.

“I’ve proven that this year. But I guess playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically. The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets.

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“I reach the final stages, I reached the semis of every Slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz. These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with the tank half empty. It's just not possible to win a match like that.”

Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed the last seven Grand Slams, in what could prove to be the beginning of a remarkable era of dominance.

Djokovic is the last player outside the world’s current top two to claim Grand Slam victory; the 2023 US Open.

The world No7 knows full well what it takes to compete against the best in the world and come out on top, but, as he questioned just last month, is his body up to the task?

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As he said, winning a Grand Slam is not just one game - it’s a fortnight. Djokovic demonstrated his struggles in keeping up with it for the full schedule.

Particularly if he is to come up against the “young and fit” Alcaraz and Sinner, who are ruling supreme at the moment.

But each Grand Slam that comes and goes marks the Serb’s best chance at clinching that elusive 25th - for he will be older the next time round.

What will never be in question is the former world No1’s work ethic and mentality. They remain intact and, if his physical condition can take it, he will always be a contender for the title.

Outside of the world’s top two, Djokovic enters the tournament as the favourite.

Djokovic is joined by home favourites Ben Shelton, who is looking to better his semi-final result from 2023, and Taylor Fritz, who fell short in the final to Sinner last year.

Alcaraz faces world No66 Reilly Opelka, whereas Sinner clashes against Czech player Vit Kopriva.