Djokovic starts US Open journey against a debutant

Novak Djokovic’s return to the US Open after missing it last year because he wasn’t vaccinated against COVID-19 will be against an opponent who never has played in the tournament before.

In the women’s tournament, defending champion Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff were drawn Thursday into a possible quarterfinal matchup.

More on this topic:

Djokovic shares heartfelt message as Nadal plays his last game

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, who will have to defend his title from 2022, and No. 6 seed Jannik Sinner could meet in the men’s quarterfinals again. That was the round in which Alcaraz’s thrilling five-set victory over rival Sinner last year ended at 2:50 a.m., the latest finish in US Open history.

The draw was held behind closed doors in recent years and did so again Thursday. The final Grand Slam event of the season begins Monday.