Novak Djokovic has raised eyebrows ahead of the U.S. Open after making a special appearance at a baseball game. The seasoned Serbian star is looking to break a two-year Grand Slam title dry spell in New York in the coming weeks.

He hasn’t captured a major since triumphing at the U.S. Open in 2023 and will require peak performance to reclaim glory this year.

Before the tournament kicks off this weekend, Djokovic visited Yankee Stadium to witness the New York Yankees take on the Boston Red Sox. He was given the honor of delivering the ceremonial first pitch, a privilege typically bestowed upon celebrity visitors.

His throw hit the ground just short of home plate and was collected by Yankees catcher Austin Wells.

Djokovic’s pitching wasn’t the only topic generating buzz, as numerous spectators observed he was sporting a white arm sleeve. His decision to wear the protective gear triggered worries that he might be nursing an injury before the U.S. Open.

“He will get injured after losing the first two sets to Learner [Tien] in R1 and take a half hour MTO,” posted @Bhaskarshe56742 on X (formerly Twitter).

@thegaytennispod inquired: “The sleeve mean anything?” while @VishalYesudas joked: “Saving the arm for the U.S. Open.”

@SharpAGOfficial commented: “Tennis legend Novak Djokovic threw out the 1st pitch at Yankee Stadium tonight but did he really need that arm band?” While Djokovic is not known to be injured, it’s uncertain if he will keep the sleeve for his opening match against American hopeful Learner Tien.

This follows Patrick McEnroe’s suggestion that Djokovic might retire from tennis if he doesn’t make a deep run at the U.S. Open, having fallen behind Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the past two years.

DON’T MISS

“I think Novak definitely needs some help,” McEnroe told ESPN. “I think the bigger question we may be asking ourselves by the time this tournament is done, is, will he come back? Will he be back? Because I have my doubts.

“I don’t have any inside information. I don’t think he knows, but what I do know is that he’s not going to continue to play if he doesn’t think he can win. And I think time’s running out for him to win.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed at the U.S. Open, could potentially face Sinner or Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.