Novak Djokovic makes a long-awaited return to the US Open next week looking to reclaim the title and world No 1 ranking from defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
The 36-year-old Serbian was barred from entry to the United States for much of the past two years after his refusal to comply with a Covid
Alcaraz and Djokovic have developed the sport’s most compelling new rivalry, pushing each other to the limit in an epic five-set Wimbledon final last month that ended with Alcaraz triumphing 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
Wimbledon 2023: Carlos Alcaraz stamps his own identity with second Grand Slam title
The two men produced another pulsating thriller in the final of the Cincinnati Open last weekend, with Djokovic saving a match point before digging out a 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) victory in just under four hours.
For Djokovic, Alcaraz’s performances are confirmation of his belief that the 20-year-old Spaniard is the real deal, the player best positioned to succeed him as…