Novak Djokovic begins his hunt for a fifth US Open on Monday when he meets Moldovan Radu Albot at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic has not competed since winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris and the 37-year-old will need to quickly shake off any rust when he meets Albot for the first time in his career under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Having completed the career Golden Slam - winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold - Djokovic is aiming to capture a 25th major crown that will see him move past Margaret Court and take sole possession of the all-time record.
No man has defended the trophy in New York since 2008 and Djokovic is determined to change that this year.
"That's the goal. It's always to try to go all the way to the finals and fight for the trophy. That kind of mindset or approach is no different for me this year," Djokovic said.
"People ask me, 'Now that you've basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win?' I still feel the drive. I still have the competitive spirit.
"I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis and play tennis."
Meanwhile, British number one Jack Draper, who starts with a Tuesday date against China's Zhizhen Zhang, has split with his coach Wayne Ferreira ahead of the US Open.
Draper, seeded 25th ahead of the final grand slam of the year, appointed the South African to work alongside James Trotman in April and achieved success under his tutelage, winning a first ATP Tour title in June.
But Draper said things were complicated so has reverted to Trotman being the lone voice at the New York tournament.
"Wayne coming on board was really a good decision. It was decision based on his value as a coach and obviously his experience as a player," he said.
"I’ve always been someone who likes to keep things simple. And I’d never had that kind of team dynamic before, where I’ve got two different voices and two different coaches.
"I always wanted Trots to be the one leading what I was doing.
"I just felt like it was not as simple as I liked, and I wanted one voice in my team.
"I feel like it was the right thing to probably part ways with Wayne and keep it how I want it as a player."
Carlos Alcaraz, out on Wednesday against Australia's Li Tu, has played down any injury concerns ahead of the tournament after twisting his ankle in a practice session on Saturday.
The Spaniard is gunning for a third successive grand slam title after winning the French Open and Wimbledon, but had to stop his session with Francisco Cerundolo.
Alcaraz rolled his left ankle when he was stretching for a ball on his backhand wing and left the court after a quick chat with his team.
But he says it is not a big issue and he is not worried about being unable to play.
"I think it is OK. I just stopped my practice just for precaution," he said.
Additional reporting: PA
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