Rick Macci names Djokovic's biggest US Open threat — and it's not Alcaraz or Zverev
ATPSunday, 23 August 2026 at 20:34
Rick Macci believes Novak Djokovic has a genuine chance to win a 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open, but the veteran American coach has identified an unexpected obstacle for the Serbian: the New York weather. Macci, who famously coached Serena Williams and remains one of the most respected figures in American tennis, shared his assessment on social media ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
Djokovic's chances have improved significantly after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament. The world No. 1's absence means Djokovic will enter as the No. 4 seed and cannot face Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz or Felix Auger-Aliassime before a potential semifinal. That gives the 39-year-old a more favorable route than he would have faced with Sinner in the draw.
Alcaraz also arrives with questions surrounding his readiness. The defending champion has been out of competitive singles for more than four months because of a wrist injury and has not played since the Barcelona Open in April. He will compete in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams during the week before the singles tournament, but that will not replicate the demands of a Grand Slam singles campaign.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has continued to show that he can handle dangerous opponents outside the very top of the rankings. His biggest obstacles at recent Grand Slams have increasingly been Sinner and Alcaraz, while he demonstrated his ability to survive against another top-four opponent at Wimbledon by defeating Auger-Aliassime after a five-hour quarterfinal. With Sinner absent and Alcaraz uncertain, the Serbian has a major opportunity in New York.
Sinner's absence gives Djokovic a major opportunity
Sinner's withdrawal has reshaped the top of the US Open draw and removed one of Djokovic's biggest recent obstacles at Grand Slam level. The Italian had beaten Djokovic in several important encounters during the past two seasons, making his absence particularly significant for a player chasing a record-extending 25th major title.
Djokovic will also avoid Zverev, Alcaraz and Auger-Aliassime until the semifinals at the earliest. His consistency against lower-ranked opponents has remained one of his greatest strengths, particularly at the majors, where his experience allows him to manage difficult stretches without necessarily needing his best tennis from the opening round.
Alcaraz's comeback remains one of the tournament's biggest storylines. The Spaniard is defending the title he won last year, but returning immediately to five-set competition after such a lengthy absence represents a significant physical challenge. Even if his wrist is fully recovered, he will need to withstand potentially seven matches across two weeks.
Macci sees the weather as Djokovic's biggest opponent
Macci believes Djokovic's biggest challenge could come from the conditions rather than the draw, particularly if New York delivers high temperatures and humidity.
“Djokovic has a real shot. It is not whether he can win it. His toughest opponent will be the weather,” the American coach wrote on social media. “If the conditions are in the high eighties and sticky this is where for the Serbian Sniper it gets tricky.”
The 39-year-old has already shown this season that he can survive physically demanding matches. His five-hour victory over Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon demonstrated his ability to handle a marathon against a younger top-level opponent, but repeating that kind of effort multiple times in New York would create a different challenge.
Macci believes Djokovic's ability to recover between matches and avoid unnecessary physical battles could ultimately determine how far he goes. “Rest recovery and shorter New York street fights we might see the Joker get another Slam under the Flushing Meadow lights,” he wrote.
Djokovic has a real shot. It is not weather he can win it. His toughest opponent will be the weather. If the conditions are in the high eighties and sticky this is where for the Serbian Sniper it gets tricky. Rest recovery and shorter New York street fights we might see the…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 23, 2026
With Sinner out, Alcaraz returning from a lengthy layoff and Djokovic protected from the other top-four seeds until the semifinals, the Serbian enters the US Open with a particularly attractive opportunity.
The draw may have opened the door, but Djokovic will still need to manage the conditions and the physical demands of another Grand Slam campaign if he is to walk through it.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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