How is Novak's US Open draw? Djokovic's projected path to a calendar Grand Slam


Novak Djokovic comes into the US Open chasing a historic calendar Grand Slam and men's record 21st major title. Will he pull it off? Here’s a look at Nole's potential road to glory.


Djokovic begins with a qualifier, yet to be named. The 34-year-old last appeared on July 30.


The Serbian's projected second-round opponent, Jan-Lennard Struff, has never beaten Djokovic in six prior meetings (including at this year's Tokyo Olympics).


David Goffin is the first seed (No. 27) in Djokovic's pathway, but don't be surprised to see former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori or this year's Citi Open runner-up Mackenzie McDonald in round three instead.


In the round of 16, the world No. 1 could meet returning quarterfinalist Alex de Minaur, the No. 14 seed, or 2021 Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev, the No. 21 seed. Or perhaps an American, Jenson Brooskby or Taylor Fritz, will make his way there.


A Wimbledon final rematch with No. 6 seed Matteo Berrettini is a strong possibility in the quarterfinals. Tenth seed Hubert Hurkacz, No. 20 seed Lorenzo Sonego and unseeded floater Marton Fucsovics should also be in the mix.


The foe who ended Djokovic’s Golden Slam bid, Alexander Zverev, is the highest seed in his half at No. 4. Zverev was two points from winning it all here last year, but the likes of Denis Shapovalov, Pablo Carreño Busta, Jannik Sinner, Karen Khachanov and Sebastian Korda are all possible spoilers for the German.


If the draw holds up on paper, No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev is the person standing between Djokovic and history. Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev could easily disrupt that, along with a slew of darkhorses.