A tenacious Novak Djokovic has proved why he is without doubt one of the world’s biggest gamers, after getting back from two units all the way down to defeat Laslo Djere at Flushing Meadows.
Key factors:
- Novak Djokovic strikes into fourth spherical after defeating fellow Serb Laslo Djere
- The final time he received a match on the US Open after being down 0-2 units was in 2011
- Djokovic is attempting to win his twenty fourth grand slam, and fourth US Open
The final time the 23-time grand slam winner received a match on the US Open after being down 0-2 units was in 2011.
Djokovic solely dropped 5 video games throughout the final three units to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 to defeat fellow Serb Djere.
It marked the thirty eighth time Djokovic has received a five-setter.
The win has additionally saved alive the 36-year-old’s quest for a fourth US Open crown that might put him on the identical degree as Margaret Courtroom’s report 24 grand slam wins.
“The message is shipped to the remainder of the sector, clearly, that I am nonetheless in a position to play 5 units, deep (into the) evening,” Djokovic mentioned publish match.
“Coming from two units down at all times sends a powerful message to future opponents.
“However I am probably not desirous to be on this place to be sincere.
“I favor a straight-set win. So hopefully I can get again on that observe within the subsequent match.”
Djokovic subsequent faces Croatia’s Borna Gojo who will make his US Open debut.
Djere proves to be a robust struggle
Djokovic had beforehand regarded imperious in his opening two matches, surrendering solely 11 video games in blowout wins over Frenchman Alexandre Muller and Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
Nevertheless, his thirty second seeded countryman proved a far more durable check.
The 2 Serbs had solely clashed as soon as earlier than that in Belgrade final yr.
There have been indicators then that Djere was a hazard again then, with the competition needing three units and two tie-breaks earlier than Djokovic may declare the win.
And it appeared Djere was eager for extra of the identical on Friday when he broke the second-seed to begin the match.
Djere’s nerve held for the remainder of the set gaining him an surprising and well-earned 1-0 lead.
The 28-year-old didn’t falter in opposition to Djokovic and piled on the strain with one other break to go up 4-3 within the second set, making a 2-0 lead that left Arthur Ashe Stadium surprised.
Djokovic had alternatives however didn’t appear to capitalise on them till backed right into a nook.
With the gang nonetheless buzzing Djokovic got here out for the third set with urgency.
“I did slightly pep speak within the mirror. I form of laughed at myself, as a result of I used to be so … agitated,” Djokovic mentioned after the match.
“I compelled myself to … carry the spirits.”
A revived Djokovic broke Djere on the first alternative to go up 4-0, on the way in which to reducing the deficit to 2-1.
As Djere’s recreation cracks began to look, Djokovic continued to dial up the strain, breaking once more to open the fourth set with mighty fist pump.
Nonetheless, Djere was not achieved.
Instantly breaking again, Djere set the stage for what was a marathon third recreation that noticed Djokovic regain management with yet one more break.
Transferring in for the kill, Djokovic ended the match by sweeping the following six video games to take the fourth set and a 2-0 lead within the decisive fifth.
Reuters
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