Novak Djokovic hopes to start strong at the 2016 US Open when he opens against an unlikely opponent in Poland's Jerzy Janowicz on Monday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The top-seed Djokovic will get a chance to get back on his winning ways as he defends his US Open title crown in New York, but the world No. 1 approaches the final Grand Slam event of the year coming off a wrist injury suffered at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Djokovic admitted it was the first time he suffered a wrist injury in his career, but assured he should be close to 100 percent once his US Open title defense campaign begins.
"It happened actually in Rio, just a few days before the start of the tournament. I did experience this for the first time in my career," Djokovic said, reports Sky Sports. "I've never had this particular wrist injury before. After undergoing certain treatments I've gotten better."
"I'm just hoping that by Monday, when the tournament starts, I'll be able to get as close to the maximum of executing my backhand shot as possible."
Djokovic, a two-time US Open winner, also confessed about battling personal issues a few months ago, which apparently contribute to his third round loss at Wimbledon against Sam Querrey. But the Belgrade native reassured "everything is fine," insisting that those setbacks are well behind him now.
"I am in a position, like everybody else, like all of you, we all have private issues and things that are more challenges than issues, more things that we have to encounter and overcome in order to evolve as a human being," Djokovic added.
"That was the period for me. It happened right there. It was resolved and life is going on."
Djokovic has never faced Janowicz, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist. While Djokovic is a heavy favorite against the 25-year-old Pole, the 12-time Grand Slam winner has to be cautious to avoid another disappointing exit at a major tournament.
The winner between Djokovic and Janowicz could face either Czech Jiri Vesely or India's Saketh Myneni.
Live streaming info and score updates
Watch US Open 2016: Novak Djokovic vs Jerzy Janowicz live via WatchESPN or visit the US Open's official website. Live scores will be available during game days at the US Open's official website.