Novak Djokovic’s form has come under scrutiny ahead of the 2026 US Open after his opening-round exit at the Cincinnati Open. However, former American player Christopher Eubanks has pushed back against the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s low position among the favorites for the New York Major, which also features Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Ben Shelton.
Christopher Eubanks Questions Novak Djokovic’s Low US Open Odds
With the US Open just around the corner, the men’s odds for the title became a topic of debate on the Tennis Channel amid the Cincinnati Open. Although Jannik Sinner has since withdrawn from the event due to a knee injury, he was the odds-on favorite to win in New York at -135.
The world No. 1 was followed by defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (+240), who is set to make his long-awaited comeback to the tour after four months on the sidelines due to a wrist injury.
Alexander Zverev (+500) was next, followed by Ben Shelton (+800), Rafael Jódar (+1000), Novak Djokovic (+1100), Taylor Fritz (+1200), Daniil Medvedev (+2200), and João Fonseca (+2200).
Eubanks was surprised to see Daniil Medvedev among the top eight favorites for the title, expressing his belief that Flavio Cobolli and Learner Tien were more deserving of a place among the leading contenders.
“Yeah, a bit surprised that Medvedev is still on that list. I completely agree with you. I think Cobolli more than deserves to be on that list. I could even see maybe a Learner Tien somewhere down the line being one of those favorites,” Eubanks said.
The American was also taken aback by Djokovic trailing Jódar and even Shelton, given the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s prowess in five-set matches.
“It’s also surprising to see Novak still so low. It’s like so low. I understand Carlos, Zverev, even Ben. Jódar is where I start to say, ‘Are we going to give Jódar the edge over Djokovic?’ Maybe even Shelton, understanding how difficult Novak is to beat in a best-of-five set match,” he continued.
Eubanks dismissed concerns surrounding Djokovic’s 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 loss to Thiago AgustÃn Tirante in his opening match at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. He argued that the Serb deserved to be ranked higher simply because of the formidable threat he poses at Grand Slams.
“When we look at the form going into Grand Slams, oftentimes you’ll see a player lose early and you think that maybe doesn’t bode well for their chances in New York,” Eubanks said.
“There’s certain players who are really tough to beat in a best-of-five set match Alexander Zverev is one, Novak Djokovic is certainly one, so even though Novak hasn’t played much, he lost here, I think Novak deserves a little bit more respect and should be higher on the list,” he added.
The main draw action at the US Open is scheduled to begin on Aug. 30. Before his singles campaign, Novak Djokovic will team up with Aryna Sabalenka in the star-studded mixed doubles competition.
The high-profile duo will be joined by Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Townsend, Daniil Medvedev and Diana Shnaider, and Learner Tien and Amanda Anisimova, among others.
