Roger Federer Picks Novak Djokovic as the US Open Favorite: “I’m Impressed”

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic played at the US Open six times.

Roger Federer Picks Novak Djokovic as the US Open Favorite: “I’m Impressed”

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has picked his great rival as one of the candidates to win the US Open 2026. The five-time US Open champion returned to Flushing Meadows on 25th August, where he will play exhibitions in singles and doubles.

In the press conference, Federer was asked about his US Open favorite. He didn’t look beyond Djokovic, who is a four-time US Open champion.

Whenever Novak plays, he has a chance of winning a tournament, especially at the Grand Slams. That’s my opinion; I’ve seen what he’s capable of. Not just once, not just here… He’s won titles everywhere and has played at the highest level. He keeps playing because he believes he can still win a Grand Slam. It was a pleasure to play against him. An exceptional tennis player and an incredible fighter, he’s become bigger, stronger, and better. It’s fantastic that he keeps taking the court—I’m impressed.

Djokovic and Federer have a long history at the US Open. The duo played the first Grand Slam final in Flushing Meadows in 2007, which Federer won in straight sets. This was the only Grand Slam final in which the Swiss Maestro got the better of the Serb. It was also the first Grand Slam final of Djokovic’s career.

Overall, Federer and Djokovic played each other six times at the US Open. Federer won the first three meetings in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Djokovic won the last three meetings in 2010, 2011, and 2015.

Roger Federer returns to the US Open

Roger Federer is returning to Flushing Meadows for an exhibition match, giving US Open fans a chance to see the Swiss legend on court again. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, ahead of the tournament’s main singles competition.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer (Image via ESPN)

Federer last played at the US Open in 2019, when his campaign ended in the quarter-finals. He later completed his Grand Slam career at Wimbledon in 2021 before officially stepping away from professional tennis.

The special exhibition will feature Federer alongside other former champions, including Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe. The event is expected to give fans the farewell appearance at the US Open that Federer never received during his playing career.

Although some supporters have wondered whether Federer could make a competitive comeback, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has ruled that out. Now retired and dealing with physical limitations, he says the appearance is mainly an opportunity to reconnect with New York fans before his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

US Open reveals top seeds after Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal

The men’s singles field at the 2026 US Open has been reshuffled after Jannik Sinner withdrew because of a right knee injury. His absence has changed the seeding order and created a different competitive landscape for the tournament.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via People.com)

Carlos Alcaraz now enters New York as one of the leading contenders after confirming his return to competitive tennis. Alexander Zverev is also among the highest seeds, while several other leading players will be looking to take advantage of Sinner’s absence.

Novak Djokovic remains a major threat despite being outside the top three seeds. The Serbian will be aiming to add another Grand Slam title to his remarkable career, while American players such as Ben Shelton will hope to make a deep run in front of the home crowd.

With Sinner, Jack Draper, and Holger Rune all missing the tournament, the draw has opened opportunities for several players. The changes could make the 2026 US Open one of the most unpredictable men’s Grand Slam events of the season.

ALSO READ: Former British No.1 Reflects on Jannik Sinner’s Withdrawal From the US Open