Djokovic Battles Past Svajda to Reach US Open Third Round

Novak Djokovic survived a stern test from American qualifier Zachary Svajda on Wednesday, rallying from a set down to secure his spot in the third round of the US Open for a record-equalling 19th time, Sport360NG reports.

The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam singles crown, prevailed 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 after a sluggish start on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It wasn’t my best tennis early on, but credit to Zach, he came out playing at a very high level,” Djokovic admitted afterward. He added that while he is still working his way into form, he expects to improve as the tournament progresses. “The deeper I go, the more confident I feel about my game. At my age, though, the body reacts differently, I feel the wear and tear more quickly.”

Djokovic, a four-time champion in New York, looked vulnerable at first against the world No. 145, who stunned the crowd by taking the opening set in a tie-break with a blistering backhand winner. But the seventh seed responded with a timely break for 4-2 in the second set, steadying himself to level the match.

Svajda briefly regained momentum in the third set, breaking early for a 3-1 lead, only for Djokovic to reel off five straight games to take control. The American, just 22, struggled physically as the contest wore on, requiring treatment on both legs, while Djokovic powered through 11 of the last 12 games to close out victory.

The win also saw Djokovic reach the last 32 of a Grand Slam for the 75th time, an all-time record, surpassing Roger Federer’s tally, while tying the record for most hard-court wins at majors (191).

He will face either Britain’s Cameron Norrie or Argentina’s Francisco Comesana in the next round.