Frances Tiafoe has inherited the longest active streak of Grand Slam first-round victories following Novak Djokovic’s shock opening exit from the 2026 US Open.
The American extended his run to 22 consecutive opening-round wins at majors after surviving a five-set battle against compatriot Martin Damm Jr. in New York.
Tiafoe has not lost in the first round of a Grand Slam since he was knocked out by Steve Johnson at the 2021 Roland Garros.
His streak is now the longest among active men’s players after Djokovic’s remarkable run came to an end against world number 49 Mariano Navone at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had won 78 consecutive first-round matches at majors, stretching back to the 2006 French Open.
Djokovic’s previous opening-round defeat came at the 2006 Australian Open, when the then 18-year-old lost to American Paul Goldstein in four sets.
The Serbian went on to avoid another first-round exit at a major for more than 20 years, establishing an Open Era men’s record that Tiafoe remains some distance from threatening.
If he competes at every major and wins his opening match each time, Tiafoe would have to wait until the 2040 US Open at the earliest to match Djokovic’s record, when the American would be 42 years old.
A more attainable target is another member of the Big Three, Rafael Nadal, who won 34 consecutive Grand Slam first-round matches before his run was ended by Steve Darcis at Wimbledon in 2013.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are also building lengthy active streaks.
Alcaraz sits just behind Tiafoe with 21 consecutive first-round major wins since making his Grand Slam debut at the 2021 Australian Open, while Sinner, who missed this year’s US Open through injury, is one further behind on 20.
Watch the 2026 US Open live on SPOTV NOW.
