Overview
- Roger Federer returned to New York for exhibition matches and told reporters on Monday that whenever Novak Djokovic enters a major he still has a chance to win.
- Djokovic is entered in the 2026 US Open and is widely viewed as a leading contender for a record 25th Grand Slam despite having played just six tournaments this season and one singles match since Wimbledon.
- The men’s field has opened up after Jannik Sinner withdrew with a right knee injury and Carlos Alcaraz’s planned return from a wrist problem will be closely watched as a developing factor.
- Federer said he will not attempt a competitive comeback and used his New York appearances to name Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic as the current players he would most like to face.
- Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on August 29, and the US Open main draw begins on August 30, making the coming week pivotal for player fitness and form at the tournament.