Novak Djokovic continued his unbeaten streak through the initial rounds of the US Open, showcasing his experience against the youthful tenacity of his opponents.
After dropping the first set to American Zachary Svajda, Djokovic rallied back to claim a four-set victory: 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, marking his 19th consecutive progression to the third round of this tournament.
This win places Djokovic at a total of 191 victories in Grand Slam hard court matches, putting him only behind Serena Williams’ record of 200.
Next, he will face British player Cameron Norrie in the third round on Friday.
“I still enjoy competing against younger players,” Djokovic remarked, performing his signature violin celebration after a match that lasted two hours and 31 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”
The final score might suggest a straightforward victory, but Svajda demonstrated he could challenge the world number seven.
The 22-year-old, playing his first match at Arthur Ashe, pushed Djokovic into a tie-break in the opening set. At one point, he led 5-4 after an extended rally, hinting at the potential for an upset.
However, as the match progressed, Svajda appeared to struggle physically, calling for medical assistance multiple times and showing signs of fatigue.
His early power diminished, making it clear he couldn’t maintain his pace.
“I wasn’t particularly pleased with my performance early on,” Djokovic noted during an on-court interview. “Credit to Zack for his high-quality play. It’s unfortunate he dealt with injuries later in the match but he deserves praise for hanging in there.”
Gradually, Djokovic found his rhythm.
Despite starting the third set down 1-3, he quickly regained composure, winning the next eight consecutive games, including a 3-0 spurt at the beginning of the fourth set, which flew by in just 26 minutes.
In addition to serving 10 aces, Djokovic produced 48 winners, compared to Svajda’s 39.
Though Djokovic, at 38, might not find as much joy in the sport as before, the competitive spirit remains strong.
When asked if he still feels the need to prove himself despite having won 24 Grand Slams, Djokovic reflected philosophically.
“Every time I step onto the court, there’s something to prove: that I can win a match,” he said. “It’s really about perspective. Of course, having a broader view of my career—what I’ve endured and achieved—changes things, but in the moment, it’s about making the most of each day and finding a way to win. That’s why I’m not satisfied with my level today.”
