Novak Djokovic overcame an early setback to defeat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the US Open second round at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. After dropping a tight first-set tiebreak, the four-time Flushing Meadows champion dialed up his intensity.
In his first match since a Wimbledon semifinal exit, the 38-year-old had shown signs of rust, but he found his stride in the second set as Svajda struggled with a leg issue that hampered his serve. Djokovic seized control with a perfectly placed forehand, claiming the next two sets 6-3, before closing out the match 6-1.
This victory marked Djokovic's record-extending 75th third-round appearance at a Grand Slam, surpassing Roger Federer's previous mark. The 24-time major champion now turns his attention to Great Britain's Cameron Norrie, aiming for a 25th top-level trophy and his first major title since the 2023 US Open.
"I get really hard on myself, because I expect to play at the highest level, which isn't always possible," Djokovic said afterward. "But I still have the desire to compete with the young guys—otherwise I wouldn't be here playing."
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Djokovic fights past American qualifier Svajda in US Open second round
cgtn.com
