Djokovic Advances to US Open Third Round as Djere Retires Due to Injury

Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the US Open after a tough match against fellow Serb Laslo Djere was cut short due to an injury. Djokovic, the defending champion, was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere was forced to retire with an abdominal issue, bringing an end to the grueling encounter.

Despite the match lasting just over two sets, the pair battled for more than two hours on the court under extreme heat and humidity at Flushing Meadows. The conditions seemed to take their toll on both players, but it was Djokovic who ultimately emerged victorious, securing his 90th win at the US Open—a milestone that makes him the only man to have won 90 matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Reflecting on the match, Djokovic acknowledged the intense struggle on court. "It was a big fight, more than two hours for two sets," Djokovic said. "I served awful and without the serve, you have to grind, you have to run."

The first set was fiercely contested, with both players exchanging powerful groundstrokes in lengthy rallies. It took Djokovic an hour to edge out his compatriot, clinching the set with a decisive break to love. However, the 37-year-old appeared to be struggling with the humid conditions and required treatment before the start of the second set.

Sensing an opportunity, Djere capitalized on Djokovic’s discomfort, earning an early break and racing to a 4-2 lead. With two break points in hand, it seemed likely that Djere would level the match. But Djokovic, known for his resilience, held serve and soon turned the tide. Djere, suddenly showing signs of discomfort, lost momentum as Djokovic broke back and eventually took the second set.

Djere, visibly in pain, attempted to continue in the third set, but after losing the first two games without winning a point, he approached the net and conceded the match.

Djokovic, now through to the third round, praised the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue competing at the highest level. "It doesn't get bigger than this in terms of a tennis stage," Djokovic added. "The atmosphere is incredible and it's a great privilege to be able to play here again at my age."

Next up for Djokovic is a third-round clash with 28th seed Alexei Popyrin of Australia, as he continues his quest for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title.