Djokovic Triumphs in Opening Match at US Open
In an intriguing opening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Novak Djokovic overcame an initial setback to defeat Zachary Svajda with scores of 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 on Wednesday. This victory marks another milestone in Djokovic’s illustrious career, maintaining his flawless record in the initial two rounds of the US Open, where he has never lost in such early stages since the tournament’s commencement in 1968.
Match Highlights
The match was significant for Djokovic as it was his first daytime matchup at the venue since 2014. Despite appearing physically challenged at the beginning of the contest, reminiscent of his previous round, the seven-time US Open champion rallied back impressively. After facing a break and trailing 3-1 in the third set, Djokovic found his rhythm, showcasing the skills that have earned him a record 24 Grand Slam titles.
The Serbian superstar quickly turned the tide by winning eight consecutive games, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead in the fourth set. He ultimately wrapped up the match in just 26 minutes, reflecting a stark contrast to the hour-long first set.
“I struggled with my game during the early portions of the match,”
Djokovic remarked, while respectfully acknowledging Svajda’s tenacity, particularly as the American dealt with evident injury issues in the latter stages.
Svajda’s Efforts and Future Matches
Svajda, who had been on a hot streak heading into this match with 17 wins in 19 contests, sought medical assistance multiple times due to cramps affecting his performance. Djokovic commended his opponent’s effort, saying,
“Kudos to him for staying on the court.”
This victory marked Djokovic’s 191st win at hard-court majors, tying him with Roger Federer for the second-most wins in this category, slightly behind Serena Williams’ all-time record of 200. At 38 years old, Djokovic continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, having reached the third round in each of his 19 US Open appearances, now matching Federer for the most in the Open era.
In the next round, he will face either Cameron Norrie—whom he has yet to lose against in six encounters—or Francisco Comesana, whom he has not previously faced. Earlier in the day, the No. 20 seed Jiri Lehecka secured a win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry with scores of 3-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-4.
