Djokovic looks to turn his Cincinnati early exit into US Open 2026 success

Novak Djokovic never likes to get eliminated early in a tournament.

In this case, he is looking on the bright side.

The 39-year-old who holds the record with 24 Grand Slam titles goes into the U.S.

Open fresh off losing his first match at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month.

That was his first action since Wimbledon, but he is at peace with the outcome.

"It gave me time to be preparing for U.S.

Open in a most adequate way," Djokovic said Saturday.

"I had almost few weeks, actually two weeks, to really train and get my body and mind into the right state, prepared for what's coming up." Seeded fourth, Djokovic begins his quest for a 25th Grand Slam championship - and fifth in Flushing Meadows - against 48th-ranked Mariano Navone on Sunday night inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Despite being a sizable favorite, he is not looking past Navone.

"Let's see how it goes," Djokovic said.

"The opening matches are always for me, particularly in the last few years, quite challenging.

So, hopefull