Djokovic Struggles With Serve, But Still Holds Djere For More Grand Slam History At US Open
Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday August 28, 2024
New York- Novak Djokovic earned his 90th US Open win on Wednesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but he didn’t come away feeling more confident about his form.
The 24-year-old Grand Slam champion struggled to get a chance to play and showed some discomfort against compatriot Laslo Djere, but he had enough game to take two sets to send his team dangerous, and his night ended early when Djere retired with an injury.
After the match, Djokovic talked about the way he played when they won 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.
“I wasn’t playing well in the first two games here, so I’m still trying to find the rhythm and tempo on the serve,” he said.
“If you don’t have a good percentage first, you have to work on your score. Especially compared to a player like Djere, who is really good from both ends, forehand and backhand. Just a solid player. He likes to attack, but he is also comfortable defending.”
Djokovic made only 47% in his first match, and had to face eight break points against Djere.
While it wasn’t his most impressive US Open performance, the victory represented a milestone. The 37-year-old earned his 90th US Open victory, becoming the only male player in history to win 90 or more at all four majors.
The Serbian legend also has more Grand Slam wins than any other player, male or female. He is now eight wins behind Roger Federer who has an all-time record of 377-50 in majors.
It Was Pushed By Djere But It Holds When It Matters
It could have been a different game, but Djokovic saved two break points while serving at 2-4, 15-40 in the second set, and fought back to take the final four games of the set. In the next game, Djere missed an easy forehand volley that gave Djokovic a break – he failed to convert two break points that would have given him a 5-3 lead.
“I was lucky that he missed that time,” he said. “It was easy beforehand. But, you know, that’s tennis when you’re fighting and you’re playing long rounds and the pressure is on when you have that crucial point where you have to play shots that usually nine out of ten you can’t miss, and you miss.”
Two hours and 12 minutes on court were spent in a very humid environment at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Temperatures are expected to drop until the end of the tournament.
“Last year I remember we had five setters,” said Djokovic after improving 3-0 against Djere and 2-0 against him at the US Open. “So I knew that when I got to this match if I didn’t play well, it was like that, I would have to grind my head and work hard for my points. That’s what I think caused the two sets to be played for two hours.”
The four-time US Open champion will face Australian Alexei Popyrin in the third round.
“The games will be difficult from here,” he said. “I know that, but I’m fine. I will find my way, as I have done many times in my career.”
