Djokovic returns from US Open exile on collision course with Alcaraz for New York crown

Novak Djokovic makes a long-awaited return to the US Open next week looking to reclaim the title and world number one ranking from defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

The 36-year-old Serbian superstar was barred from entry to the United States for much of the past two years after his refusal to comply with a Covid-19 vaccination mandate.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles title winner could only watch from afar last year as Spanish star Alcaraz was crowned as the new King of New York with his maiden triumph at a tennis major.

Since that breakthrough victory, Alcaraz and Djokovic have developed the sport's most compelling new rivalry, pushing each other to the limit in an epic five-set Wimbledon final last month that ended with Alcaraz triumphing 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

The two men produced another pulsating thriller in the final of the Cincinnati Open last weekend, with Djokovic saving a match point before digging out a 5-7, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4) victory in just under four hours.

The potential path for Novak to win a 4th #USOpen ?? pic.twitter.com/4xf7D08ONO

For Djokovic, Alcaraz's performances are confirmation of his belief that the 20-year-old Spaniard is the real deal, the player best positioned to succeed him as the dominant force in men's tennis.

The Serb said Alcaraz's knack of rising to the occasion in the most demanding of circumstances reminds him of his gruelling battles with Rafael Nadal, who will miss the US Open with a hip injury.

"Each point, the feeling that I have on the court reminds me a little bit when I was facing Nadal when we were at our prime of our careers," Djokovic said.

"Each point is a hustle. Each point is a battle. You feel like you're not going to get maybe in total five free points in the entire