Novak Djokovic confirms he WILL play in US Open and go for 18th Grand Slam after Nadal pulled out due to Covid-19

NOVAK DJOKOVIC will aim to win a 18th singles tennis Grand Slam at the US Open after recovering fully from Covid-19.

The world No1 has announced he will travel to New York this month to play in the rearranged Western & Southern Open and then the hard-court Slam at Flushing Meadows - the first major to take place post-global lockdown.

The Serbian, 33, was criticised for testing positive for coronavirus, alongside other tennis stars, after neglecting social-distancing measures at his shambolic Adria Tour.

The event, which was held in Serbia and Croatia, was later cancelled and Djokovic and his wife Jelena, who also caught the killer bug, were forced to self-isolate for two weeks.

Djokovic has been practising in Puente Romano in Marbella and with Spaniard Rafael Nadal choosing not to play and Swiss superstar Roger Federer sidelined through injury, he will fancy his chances of winning a fourth US Open title.

In a message posted on his website and shared on , Djokovic said: “I’m happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year.

“It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited.

“During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis centre.

“I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of New York.

“Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions.

“I’ve done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis.

“I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organise these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field.

“Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best.”