Unrelenting Djokovic refuses to give up on record major dream as US Open begins

The 146th edition of the U.S. Open commenced on Sunday, with Jessica Pegula of the United States eyeing her first Grand Slam title and Novak Djokovic chasing his record 25th major. Venus Williams makes her 26th appearance in the main draw, while Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk aims to build on her strong season. Djokovic, currently ranked fifth, remains undeterred in his pursuit, dismissing retirement talk in a recent documentary.

After losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals of each Grand Slam last year, Djokovic noted that while winning all four would be remarkable, it wasn't enough given his track record. Pegula, who narrowly lost to Sabalenka in the 2024 U.S. Open final, remains optimistic, stating she is always "right there" against top players.

Kostyuk, the 11th-ranked player, entered the tournament with a career-high ranking and a string of semifinal appearances in recent tournaments. The U.S. Open matches kicked off at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Pegula facing Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Djokovic set to challenge Mariano Navone.