Novak Djokovic aims for a 25th grand slam title while Elena Rybakina returns to competition following a foot injury.

Novak Djokovic has arrived in New York for the US Open, stating he is as prepared as possible to compete for a 25th grand slam title. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina has declared herself fit to compete at Flushing Meadows after recovering from a foot injury that forced her to retire from the Cincinnati Open.

Djokovic's Preparation and Tournament Outlook

Djokovic enters the tournament following a loss in his opening match at the Cincinnati Open to Thiago Agustín Tirante. He noted that the early exit provided him with two weeks of training time to prepare his body and mind for the best-of-five format at Arthur Ashe Stadium. While Djokovic has reached the semi-finals or better in six of his last seven grand slams, he faces a field where top competitors like Jannik Sinner are absent due to injury and Carlos Alcaraz is returning from a wrist issue.

Rybakina's Fitness and Ranking Ambitions

Elena Rybakina, the second seed, is focusing on her health after a foot injury caused her to retire during a quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek at the Cincinnati Open. She spent a week in recovery, including gym work and gradual court time, to address pain that initially made walking difficult. Rybakina enters the US Open at No. 1 in the live rankings, though she could be overtaken by Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, or Jessica Pegula depending on tournament results.