Novak Djokovic’s Resilience at the US Open
Novak Djokovic showcased his resilience on Sunday night at the US Open by overcoming a challenging start to secure a victory against Learner Tien, finishing the match with scores of 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2. This win marked Djokovic’s perfect 19-0 record in first-round matches of the US Open, despite dealing with noticeable leg discomfort throughout the match.
Physical Struggles and Match Dynamics
The 24-time Grand Slam champion struggled physically, particularly in the second set, during which he appeared fatigued and had moments of resting his hands on his knees. Following the second set, he received treatment for an issue concerning his right big toe. After a shaky beginning to the third set where he dropped his serve, Djokovic quickly turned the tide, winning the next five games to regain dominance.
This match was Djokovic’s first competitive outing since his participation at Wimbledon earlier this summer, raising questions about whether the 38-year-old can realistically vie for a fifth title at this tournament. The initial set was a breeze for Djokovic, completed in a swift 24 minutes, but he struggled with his energy levels in the subsequent set, which lasted nearly an hour longer.
Reflections and Key Moments
Reflecting on his physical struggle during the match, Djokovic humorously remarked,
“To be quite honest with you, I wish I had Learner Tien’s age but that’s not possible.”
His age contrast with Tien, who is 19 years old, was evident as Djokovic seemed to lag behind during intense moments.
The intensity peaked during the tiebreaker, where Djokovic’s visible exhaustion led to a second time violation, forcing him to serve a second serve in a crucial moment. He failed once on the first serve, but rebounded to win the tiebreaker, gaining momentum once again.
After experiencing discomfort in his lower left leg, he received treatment specifically for his right foot during a timeout, ultimately managing to settle into the third set to seal his impressive 75th consecutive first-round win at a Grand Slam event, reinforcing his legacy at the tournament despite physical challenges throughout the match.
