Several top players were eliminated from mixed doubles, and Djokovic provided an explanation.

As the opening day of US Open mixed doubles wrapped up, stars like Alcaraz, Raducanu, Fritz, and Rybakina suffered unexpected losses. The shock lies in the fact that these players have excelled in singles at Grand Slams, with some even becoming champions. So, what’s behind their early exits in mixed doubles? Maybe Djokovic can shed some light on this!

The 38-year-old Serbian legend has witnessed more than two decades of change in tennis, giving him a deeper perspective than most. When asked about the challenge of switching from singles to doubles, he offered his usual thoughtful response. Before his US Open match with Olga, he told ESPN, “I think the toughest part for singles players is mainly the return and positioning at the net.” So, what exactly did he mean?

He elaborated: “(In singles) we usually hit the ball back to the middle of the court and then start rallying, start the point. But in doubles, if you face someone who knows how to position themselves at the net, you’re done—the point is over. So you have to look for angles, be extremely precise, or try to lob over the net player. These are things I’ve never really practiced, so I need to make adjustments, especially when partnering with Olga, since we haven’t had many chances to play together.”

That’s where the difficulty lies. In tennis, skill, resilience, and quick thinking can take you far, but most singles players are used to controlling the court alone—just one opponent, one strategy. Doubles is a different game; suddenly, it’s all about teamwork. You have to pay attention not only to your rivals but also to your partner. Chemistry and coordination are crucial, and a strong pair can go a long way.

Although doubles isn’t Djokovic’s specialty, his resume includes some notable moments. The 24-time Grand Slam champion won an ATP doubles title in 2010 with Erlich. He has also represented Serbia in doubles at the Davis Cup and ATP Cup, helping his country win a historic Davis Cup in 2010. Djokovic has tried mixed doubles as well, partnering with Ivanovic and Jankovic in Grand Slams and exhibition matches.

Last night, Djokovic teamed up with fellow Serbian Danilovic to face Russia’s Medvedev and the talented young Andreyeva. Ultimately, the Russian duo proved stronger, winning straight sets 4-2, 5-3 against the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his partner.

In the opening set, both teams held serve under pressure, despite a few early jitters. All four players produced some exciting points, with Djokovic even showing off some dance moves to liven up the match. The Serbian pair had a break opportunity early on but couldn’t convert. At 2-2, Andreyeva/Medvedev created four break points and capitalized on the fourth. Medvedev then served out the set, securing it 4-2.

The second set began much like the first, with both sides holding serve smoothly. In the fourth game, the Serbian duo broke to love, taking a 3-1 lead. Though Danilovic and Djokovic earned two set points, Andreyeva and Medvedev managed to break back, closing the gap to 3-2 and regaining serve.

Andreyeva and Medvedev then launched a comeback, breaking to love at a crucial moment to lead 4-3 in the second set’s latter stages. Andreyeva served for the match and clinched victory, with the Serbian team unable to recover, losing in straight sets.

Could Djokovic’s recent injuries be a factor in the mixed doubles defeat? Since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to eventual champion Sinner, he hasn’t played any tournaments. Despite several weeks off, concerns over his form have only grown.

A video from August 17 showed Djokovic still experiencing discomfort in his right knee. During a training session in Montenegro, the 38-year-old stopped mid-practice for treatment—the same knee that underwent meniscus surgery last year. Although he no longer wears a brace during recent sessions, the footage has reignited doubts about his ability to withstand the demands of a Grand Slam.

During the Wimbledon quarterfinal against Italian Cobolli, Djokovic suffered a serious fall. Leading 40-30, his leg got caught on the grass as he tried to save a point, leaving him in pain on the ground for several seconds before he managed to continue. Novak described it as a “serious fall,” saying, “I’ve had plenty of similar falls on grass in my career, but obviously my body isn’t the same as before, so I guess the effects will show up tomorrow.”

Despite his optimism, Novak lost in straight sets to eventual champion Sinner. The 24-time Grand Slam winner then withdrew from Toronto and Cincinnati Masters, citing “non-medical reasons.” This means the four-time US Open champion went nearly six weeks without competitive matches before the tournament. Fans hoped for a strong comeback, but the latest knee news has cast fresh doubt on his prospects.

After his mixed doubles exit, Djokovic has only four days left before the US Open begins on August 26. Can the four-time US Open champion overcome these challenges to chase his 25th Grand Slam trophy? The countdown has begun. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)