As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has resurfaced in a sun-drenched corner of Montenegro, hitting the practice courts with a steely focus that signals his intent to reclaim glory in New York. The 38-year-old Serbian, who withdrew from the Cincinnati Open for what was officially described as a “non-medical reason,” has sparked intrigue with his decision to skip both major hard-court tune-ups, the Canadian Open and Cincinnati, for the second consecutive year. Yet, newly released footage of Djokovic training in Porto Novi, a picturesque coastal resort, reveals a player in high spirits and seemingly unburdened by the injury concerns that plagued him earlier this season. “Novak je započeo pripreme pred put u Ameriku na US open,” shared tennis coach Maja Hutalarović, a close friend, capturing the moment Djokovic returned to the court.
The brief clip, showcasing Djokovic’s fluid movement and crisp ball-striking on hard courts, offers reassurance to fans after a challenging year. His 2025 season has been a tale of resilience, marked by a 26-9 record and a milestone 100th ATP Tour title in Geneva. However, setbacks followed, including a “nasty” and “awkward” fall during his Wimbledon quarterfinal against Flavio Cobolli, which left him compromised in a straight-sets semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner on July 11. “I was unable to move at my best,” Djokovic admitted after the match, where he required treatment on his upper left leg. His earlier withdrawal from the Canadian Open, attributed to a groin injury, and the Cincinnati absence fueled speculation about his physical condition. Yet, the absence of a knee brace or strapping in the Porto Novi footage suggests a full recovery, igniting hope for a strong US Open campaign.
Djokovic’s decision to forego traditional warm-up events is a calculated risk, reflecting a strategy of energy conservation at this stage of his illustrious career. At 38, with a record-tying 24 Grand Slams, he’s no stranger to hard courts, having clinched the US Open four times, most recently in 2023 with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory over Daniil Medvedev. “At 38 years old, two decades into his professional career, Novak Djokovic certainly does not need much warm-up time to get ready for a tournament on a hard court,” noted a tennis insider, emphasizing his mastery of the surface. His choice to train in the serene setting of Porto Novi, away from the grueling August heat of Cincinnati, aligns with his focus on peaking for the majors.
Adding a unique twist to his US Open preparations, Djokovic is set to compete in the tournament’s revamped mixed doubles event alongside compatriot Olga Danilovic from August 19-20. The wildcard entry into the 16-player draw offers a chance to sharpen his game in a low-pressure setting before the singles competition begins on August 24. “He’s playing the mixed doubles with his compatriot Olga Danilovic the week before,” a close associate remarked. “That ought to get him plenty sharp.” The event, part of the US Open’s Fan Week, could provide Djokovic with valuable match practice, especially after a 1.5-month competitive hiatus.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a battle against younger stars like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have outshone him in recent majors. His semifinal losses to Sinner at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon exposed physical vulnerabilities, with Djokovic admitting, “Playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically.” Yet, his fifth-place ranking in the ATP Race to Turin and a 45-12 record at Cincinnati, where he saved a championship point to defeat Alcaraz in a 2023 classic, underline his enduring competitiveness. The Serbian’s mental toughness, honed over two decades, remains a formidable weapon as he chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
As Djokovic trains in Montenegro, the tennis world watches with bated breath. His ability to thrive under pressure, coupled with his strategic approach to preparation, positions him as a dangerous contender in New York, where he was upset by Alexei Popyrin in the third round last year. With the US Open draw set for August 22, Djokovic’s quiet confidence and renewed physicality signal a player ready to rewrite his story on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Novak je započeo pripreme pred put u Ameriku na US open. Trenira u Porto Novom.
🎥 Maja Hutalarović pic.twitter.com/EUfZciCd3Z
— Jelena Medic (@jjmedic89) August 10, 2025
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