US Open 2024: Hungry Novak Djokovic gunning for 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open

Never write off Novak Djokovic. At 37 and still chasing history and records, the Serbian star is conscious of the fact if he wins the men's singles title at the US Open in two weeks' time, he will race ahead of Margaret Court. For those still wondering what these numbers are, Court won 24 Grand Slam singles titles in an era when tennis was not so physical and punishing. There was more room for creativity and grace.

So, is Novak Djokovic a modern player or does he belong to a different generation could be a teaser for tennis fans. Fact is, the winner of 24 Grand Slam titles has been coming to New York since 2005, though there was a pause in between due to his fight against the COVID-19 vaccine. Come Monday, the focus will again be on Novak the icon and legend as he attempts to defend the title he won last year.

As raucous New York wakes up to the season's last Grand Slam in a tennis season which has been hectic, Novak is not tired. In fact, he defies so many things in life like injuries, fatigue and not getting bored at all. For all those who have written his epitaph, the way Novak has bounced back each time has been brilliant. Yes, 2024 has seen the rise of Carlos Alcaraz as the most sensational player. To win both the French Open and Wimbledon was special. At the same time, Novak Djokovic has shown a voracious appetite which can be whetted only when he wins Majors.

When the man who people love to hate for no rhyme or reason got injured at the French Open and underwent a surgery on his knee for a meniscus tear, it was scary. What was defining, Novak bounced back at practice and came to Wimbledon as a contender, not pretender. To have worn a knee strap and still competed hard before losing to Alcaraz in the final on slippery grass, Novak did fail.

Tongues wagged. Novak kept quiet. He showed his true colour on red clay at the Roland Garros so recently, where he won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Novak was emotional, he hugged his daughter and cried. Understandable, as he has battled so much in life, from war in his own country to opponents on the court. He is very much tennis's smiling assassin who will want to show the bookmakers there is still plenty of gas left in his tank.

Sadly, the US Open is now focusing more on stories relating to Jannik Sinner's dope tests and how he has been allowed to go scot free. Novak has also spoken on it very carefully, though what will be of importance is he peaks again. The Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night, New York, East Coast time will see a medical marvel step on court to (re)write history. He may say he does not care about numbers, but if he does get past Margaret Court's tally of 24 singles Grand Slam titles, then it would be history which can never be matched in our life time.

Someone like Serena Williams, who post-partum returned to tennis and tried hard to win her 24th Grand Slam title fell short agonisingly by one. To retire at 23 Majors was sad but she had left her mark, her stamp as a Black American who was bold and beautiful. To some, Serena was a diva and to some, Serena was arrogant. She never cared two hoots about what people said or thought. Her aura was admired and when she walked into sunset, she had left a legacy which Blacks in USA are still proud of. Lest one forget, Serena is still sought after in social life.

Back to Novak Djokovic, to have played in an era when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were also potent champions, the Serbian never minded it if he needed time to be accepted as a champion. For those who fantasise with the GOAT - Greatest Of All Time - debate, Novak is streets ahead in terms of numbers. Yet, if numbers alone could define greatness, then tennis would not be a sport but just like solving a mathematical problem. Federer oozed class, Rafa was brilliant as a left-hander and Novak stands head and shoulder above them.

Some still dislike him, for no fault of his. He does not mind it that tennis fans have not showered maximum love on him. Yet, when it is 'love-all' on Monday night in New York and Novak steps on court, he will be focused as always and take it match by match. Is the 25th Grand Slam title loading? Yes, unless something bizarre happens.