US Open: tennis king Novak Djokovic returns after Covid-19 vaccination snub barred him from entering in 2022
- The world No 2 needs just 20 points to regain top ranking from Carlos Alcaraz
- Djokovic, who has not lost in the opening round of a grand slam since 2006 Australian Open, plays world No 84 Alexandre Muller on Tuesday
Novak Djokovic launches his quest for a 24th grand slam singles title as the US Open gets under way with the Serb needing only a first-round victory to reclaim the world No 1 ranking.
The 36-year-old Serbian star makes a long-awaited return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre after missing the 2022 tournament because of his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
Second seed Djokovic headlines the night session on the 23,000-seater Arthur Ashe Stadium with what should be a straightforward opener against France’s world No 84 Alexandre Muller.
His game is scheduled to begin no earlier than 8.15am on Tuesday, Hong Kong Time.
A victory will guarantee Djokovic returns to the top of tennis’s global rankings, regardless of how the rest of the US Open fortnight pans out.
Djokovic needs just 20 points to regain the top ranking after defeating current No 1 and defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open earlier this month.
