Djokovic’s Weather Test Identified as Biggest US Open Threat by Macci

Novak Djokovic, the owner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, faces weather and physical endurance as his main obstacles at the US Open, coach Rick Macci believes. The 39-year-old Serbian is chasing a record 25th major championship.

Macci considers Djokovic capable of winning the tournament, but sees the conditions in New York as a greater threat than any individual opponent. He said high temperatures combined with heavy humidity could make the tournament particularly difficult for the Serbian.

Djokovic’s physical response across the two-week major will be central to his chances. Although he has dealt successfully with demanding matches this season, sustaining that level through several rounds would test his body in a different way.

The withdrawal of Jannik Sinner and the favourable changes to the draw have reduced the immediate challenge from some leading contenders. Carlos Alcaraz is also returning after a period away from competition, leaving Djokovic with a route that appears less crowded than it might otherwise have been.

His resilience was evident at Wimbledon, where he defeated Félix Auger-Aliassime in a match lasting five hours. That performance showed Djokovic can still withstand a marathon against a younger elite opponent, but reproducing such efforts repeatedly in hot and humid conditions would place a heavier demand on him.

Djokovic also owns the men’s record for weeks spent as world No. 1, having held the position for 428 weeks. Macci’s assessment is that Djokovic’s biggest test in New York will come from maintaining his physical level and coping with the environment rather than overcoming one dominant rival.