Matching Report
Djokovic advances after Djere retires from US Open
The defending champion will next face Popyrin in their third major meeting this year
August 29, 2024
Al Bello/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic is aiming for his 25th major title.
By ATP staff
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic advanced to the US Open third round on Wednesday when compatriot Laslo Djere retired early in the third set. The second team took a 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 lead before retiring under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“This is not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover,” said Djokovic. “But it is clear that he had an injury that kept him out of the Tour for a long time and he is fighting to get back physically to this level. He is a great player, especially in these situations. It should have been his second set, honestly. It was 4-2, 15/40.
“Overall, it was a great fight. Over two hours for two sets. I served badly. So to play without serving, you have to grind, you have to run. So I think I had to rely on my first game.”
Djere held two break points at 4-2 in the second set which would have allowed him to work in this set if he had changed. The 29-year-old did not win another match. He called the end of the medical period before serving at 4-5 and received treatment in the abdominal area.
Djokovic made only 47 percent of his forehands, the same percentage he recorded in the first round against Radu Albot. After closing out the opening set by breaking Djere at love 5-4, Djokovic called a physio and took a tablet, although he did not call in sick time. Both players were seen panting at times following long rallies in the humid environment.
In two hours and 16 minutes, Djokovic committed 26 unforced errors and converted four of his 10 break points.
With the promotion, Djokovic became the first male player to record 90 victories at all four majors. He is eight strokes shy of tying Jimmy Connors for most US Open match wins.
This was the second year Djokovic faced Djere at Flushing Meadows. Last year, Djokovic trailed in two sets to love before rallying to take the title. Djere is the only player to win a set against Djokovic at last year’s US Open.
Next up for the defending champion is Alexei Popyrin, a native of Belgrade who lost at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, both in four sets. Djokovic will be looking for his third win against Popyrin in as many majors this year and improve on his 3-0 lead in the Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Montreal champion Popyrin defeated Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-4, 6-0.
Djokovic, 31-7 this season, is chasing a 25th major and 100th tour title. Should she claim her fifth US Open title, Djokovic will break the tie with Australia’s Margaret Court for most Slam titles, male or female.
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