Djokovic and Gauff Begin US Open Title Defenses

Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champions, will begin their title defenses on Monday, with Djokovic aiming to add to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally and Gauff seeking to regain her winning form.

Djokovic, seeded second behind world number one Jannik Sinner, is determined to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer's five-year reign from 2004-2008. Despite an injury-plagued year, the 37-year-old Serbian remains motivated by the "pillars of our sport" and is eager to perform under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Gauff, who has struggled for consistency since her maiden Grand Slam victory last year, will face Varvara Gracheva of France in the afternoon session. The American teenager is hoping to rediscover her winning ways and challenge for another major title.

Other notable matches on Monday include:

* Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, faces Ben Shelton, who is aiming to build on his impressive semi-final run last year.

* Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, two of the top American men, will also be in action, hoping to end the US Open title drought for their country.

* Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, takes on Priscilla Hon, while Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova faces Marina Bassols Ribera.

In early action, Donna Vekic of Croatia advanced to the second round, while Maria Sakkari of Greece retired with an apparent shoulder injury.

Tags: #USOpen, #NovakDjokovic, #CocoGauff, #Tennis, #GrandSlam