Novak Djokovic struggles at the start of the US Open in New York. His condition raises questions.
Novak Djokovic has fought his way into the second round of the US Open despite major physical problems. The Serbian Grand Slam record champion defeated American Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 on the first day of the tournament in New York, but looked clearly shaken at times. There are big question marks over his fitness for the tasks ahead.
“It was important for me to keep my nerves and win the second set. After that, I felt a little better,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview. The Serbian joked about his opponent’s age (19): “I wish I was his age. When you get into your late 30s, it’s about saving your energy for the important things. The body doesn’t recover as well as it should.”
Djokovic continues to chase his dream of a 25th major title, but the road ahead seems to be getting longer and longer for the 38-year-old. The Serbian is now only playing selected tournaments and focusing on the Grand Slams – he hasn’t played a match since the Wimbledon semi-finals in mid-July.
The four-time tournament winner was already eliminated in the third round at Flushing Meadows last year. He won the title at the last Grand Slam of the year in 2023 and has been waiting for his next big coup ever since.
Djokovic increasingly tired physically
After a commanding first set, which Djokovic won in just 24 minutes, he looked increasingly tired in the second set. Djokovic saved a set point at 4:5 and saved himself in the tiebreak, where he stretched after rallies, leaned on his racket, and took a conspicuous amount of time on his serve. Nevertheless, he won the set with strong nerves. In a subsequent medical timeout, Djokovic had a blister on the big toe of his right foot treated.
Djokovic immediately conceded a break at the start of the third set, but seemed to recover physically. Against the inexperienced Tien, who made too many simple mistakes, he finally showed his class and took his second match point to win.
