Injury Hits but Djokovic Cruises into US Open Last Eight

Novak Djokovic powered through to the US Open quarter-finals with a commanding win over qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, keeping his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title firmly on track, Sport360NG reports.

The 38-year-old Serb, who required medical attention twice during the match, showed little sign of struggle as he secured a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory in less than two hours.

While Djokovic’s performance underlined his enduring class, concerns about his physical fitness continue to linger. This tournament marks his first competitive appearance since a Wimbledon semi-final exit in July, having skipped the ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati.

He appeared to battle fatigue in his first two rounds in New York and managed a win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the third round despite dealing with a lower back injury. Against Struff, Djokovic again sought treatment, first for a neck issue, then for his right forearm, but neither setback seemed to affect his aggressive play. He hit 33 winners, 12 aces, and avoided double faults entirely, relying on his serve to maintain control on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Serving well definitely helps,” Djokovic said. “I had a great serving performance last round and tonight as well. I even out-served one of the guys with the most aces this year, which made things easier on the court.”

Next, Djokovic will face American fourth seed Taylor Fritz, who advanced with a straight-sets victory over Czech player Tomas Machac.

Djokovic also revealed his motivation ahead of the quarter-final: his daughter Tara’s birthday, which coincides with the match. “She wasn’t thrilled that I’ll miss her birthday party,” he said. “I’ll try to win and give her that present. I’ll send some surprises as well.”

At 38 years and 94 days, Djokovic became the oldest player in the Open era to reach the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year. Reflecting on playing under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, he added, “I don’t know how many more night sessions I’ll have, so each one is very special.”

Djokovic got off to a flying start, racing to a 4-0 lead with a double break before Struff registered his first game. Despite a brief slowdown due to neck discomfort, Djokovic claimed the opening set 6-3 and then surged ahead in the second set, winning four consecutive games to establish a commanding lead.

After another medical timeout for his forearm, Djokovic quickly regained momentum, breaking early in the third set and closing out the match with authority. The win marks his 64th Grand Slam quarter-final in his 80th major appearance, keeping him on course for a historic milestone in his illustrious career.