LONDON — Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has sparked injury concerns ahead of the US Open after withdrawing from the Canadian Open due to lingering shoulder pain, raising questions about his fitness for the final Grand Slam of the year. Meanwhile, British No. 1 Katie Boulter’s fiancé, Alex de Minaur, is surging in form and could overtake Djokovic in the rankings if the Serbian’s struggles persist.
Djokovic’s Wimbledon Injury Scare
Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery just weeks before Wimbledon, faced visible discomfort during his run to the final at the All England Club. Despite reaching the championship match, he struggled with movement and admitted afterward, "I wasn’t at my best physically, but I gave everything I had." His withdrawal from the Canadian Open—a key US Open warm-up event—has intensified speculation about his readiness for Flushing Meadows.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has been managing multiple issues:
- Knee recovery: Underwent meniscus surgery after the French Open.
- Shoulder strain: Reportedly aggravated during practice sessions post-Wimbledon.
- Fatigue: Played through pain at Wimbledon, raising concerns about overexertion.
De Minaur’s Rise Threatens Djokovic’s Ranking
While Djokovic battles injuries, Australia’s Alex de Minaur—Katie Boulter’s long-term partner—is enjoying a career-best season. The 25-year-old recently cracked the top 10 and could leapfrog Djokovic if the Serbian falters at the US Open. De Minaur’s recent victories over top players, including Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz, have solidified his status as a dark horse contender.
"Alex is playing fearless tennis right now," said former British No. 1 Tim Henman. "His speed and consistency make him a nightmare opponent, and if Djokovic isn’t 100%, the rankings could shift dramatically."
The US Open Stakes
Djokovic currently holds a narrow lead over de Minaur in the ATP rankings (No. 3 vs. No. 9), but with no points to defend from last year’s US Open (due to his absence over vaccine restrictions), de Minaur could capitalize. Key factors:
- Djokovic’s potential rust after limited match play.
- De Minaur’s momentum after a strong North American hard-court swing.
- The pressure on Djokovic to defend his 2023 ATP Finals title points later this year.
Djokovic’s Camp Downplays Concerns
Despite the setbacks, Djokovic’s team insists he’ll be ready for the US Open. His coach, Goran Ivanišević, told reporters, "Novak has overcome worse. He’s treating this carefully, but he’ll be in New York." Medical experts, however, caution that shoulder injuries can be tricky for tennis players, particularly affecting serve speed and endurance.
"Shoulder issues can linger if not properly rested," said sports physiotherapist Karen Joubert. "For a player like Djokovic, whose game relies on precision and flexibility, even a slight limitation could be costly."
Fan Reactions and Tournament Implications
The uncertainty has divided tennis fans. Some believe Djokovic’s experience will prevail, while others argue that younger rivals like de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz could exploit his vulnerability. The US Open draw, released August 22, will be pivotal—an early matchup against a big hitter could spell trouble for an underprepared Djokovic.
Bookmakers have adjusted odds accordingly:
- Djokovic’s US Open title odds drifted from 2/1 to 3/1 post-withdrawal.
- De Minaur’s odds improved from 25/1 to 16/1 after his recent title in Los Cabos.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment
With the US Open beginning August 26, all eyes will be on Djokovic’s recovery. If he falters, the door opens not just for de Minaur but for a reshuffle atop men’s tennis. As Boulter cheekily noted on social media, "Someone’s coming for that No. 3 spot… and he makes a great breakfast too!"