Djokovic finds way to ‘survive’ on US Open return

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

Novak Djokovic believes that there was no lack of match practice to compensate for the “physical struggle” he experienced before winning the US Open first round.

The 38-year-old Serb hasn’t played since early July when he lost in the Wimbledon semi-finals, where he won 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 over American teenager Learner Tien.

Djokovic’s level drastically decreased during the second set as he appeared more agitated and sluggish in a humid New York.

After winning the second-set tie-break, the 24-time major champion said the blisters on his toe weren’t the cause of his dip, but that was after the match.

“I don’t have any injuries or problems.” Djokovic, who is seeded seventh, said: “I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points.”

“I haven’t played a formal game in six weeks.” I had to deliver my A-game, which I believe I did in the first set.

Djokovic has been reducing his schedule as he approaches retirement.

As he aims to win a stand-alone 25th major title, the former world no. 1 has become more focused on the Grand Slam competitions.

Prior to the US Open, Djokovic skipped the ATP Masters competitions in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Djokovic made a clear statement during his pre-tournament press conference during which he admitted he did not like the “long format of the Masters tournaments, which have been shortened by two weeks in recent seasons.

However, his appetite for Grand Slam victories persists despite the greatest prizes.

Djokovic won his 75th consecutive first-round match against Tien, who is ranked 50th in the world, in the Open tournament as the first singles player to do so in the Open era.

In his on-court interview, Djokovic said, “I wish I had Learner’s age, but when you come in your late 30s, it’s about learning how to maintain the energy for what matters.”

Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, the Americans’ most recent bids, put an end to the country’s 22-year search for a Grand Slam men’s singles champion as they advanced to the second round.

With his US Open triumph in 2003, Andy Roddick became the last American player to capture a major singles title.

Fritz, 27, has reached the most recent drought-stricken final at Flushing Meadows, making him the first American man to do so in 15 years.

Emilio Nava, who is seeded fourth this year, defeated Fritz 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, while Shelton, who is sixth, defeated Grand Slam debutant Ignacio Buse, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

Two American men have been seeded in the top eight for the first time since the 2007 US Open.

According to Fritz, “We’re in a great position in American tennis.”

Shelton, 22, won the tournament’s inaugural game after taking just over two hours to complete victory on the world-renowned Arthur Ashe show court.

The former semi-finalist is in strong form, having earlier this month won the Canadian Open’s first ATP Masters 1000 title.

Shelton said, “The US Open is the pinnacle of tennis for me and what I dreamed about as a child.”

For me, it is starting to feel like home.

Mensik, who is 16th overall, defeated Djokovic in the Miami Open final to claim his first ATP Tour title in March, and he has twice advanced to New York’s third round.

After beating Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7) 6-2, the 19-year-old Czech will face Ugo Blanchet next.

Alexander Shevchenko defeated him 6-1 6-1 6-2 in the other match.