A tenacious Novak Djokovic has proved why he is one of the world’s greatest players, after coming back from two sets down to defeat Laslo Djere at Flushing Meadows.
Key points:
Novak Djokovic moves into fourth round after defeating fellow Serb Laslo DjereThe last time he won a match at the US Open after being down 0-2 sets was in 2011Djokovic is trying to win his 24th grand slam, and fourth US Open
The last time the 23-time grand slam winner won a match at the US Open after being down 0-2 sets was in 2011.
Djokovic only dropped five games across the last three sets to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 to defeat fellow Serb Djere.
It marked the 38th time Djokovic has won a five-setter.
The win has also kept alive the 36-year-old’s quest for a fourth US Open crown that would put him on the same level as Margaret Court’s record 24 grand slam wins.
“The message is sent to the rest of the field, obviously, that I’m still able to play five sets, deep (into the) night,” Djokovic said post match.
“Coming from two sets down always sends a strong message to future opponents.
“But I’m not really wanting to be in this position to be honest.
“I prefer a straight-set win. So hopefully I can get back on that track in the next match.”
Djokovic next faces Croatia’s Borna Gojo who will make his US Open debut.
Djere proves to be a tough fight
Djokovic had previously looked imperious in his opening two matches, surrendering only 11 games in blowout wins over Frenchman Alexandre Muller and Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
However, his 32nd seeded countryman proved a far tougher test.
The two Serbs had only clashed once before that in Belgrade last year.
There were signs then that Djere was a danger back then, with the contest needing three sets and two tie-breaks before Djokovic could claim the win.
And it seemed Djere was keen for more of the same on Friday when he broke the second-seed to start the match.
Djere’s nerve held for the rest of the set gaining him an unexpected and well-earned 1-0 lead.
The 28-year-old did not falter against Djokovic and piled on the pressure with another break to go up 4-3 in the second set, making a 2-0 lead that left Arthur Ashe Stadium stunned.
Djokovic had opportunities but did not seem to capitalise on them until backed into a corner.
With the crowd still buzzing Djokovic came out for the third set with urgency.
“I did a little pep talk in the mirror. I kind of laughed at myself, because I was so … agitated,” Djokovic said after the match.
“I forced myself to … lift the spirits.”
A revived Djokovic broke Djere at the first opportunity to go up 4-0, on the way to cutting the deficit to 2-1.
As Djere’s game cracks started to appear, Djokovic continued to dial up the pressure, breaking again to open the fourth set with mighty fist pump.
Still, Djere was not done.
Immediately breaking back, Djere set the stage for what was a marathon third game that saw Djokovic regain control with yet another break.
Moving in for the kill, Djokovic ended the match by sweeping the next six games to take the fourth set and a 2-0 lead in the decisive fifth.
Reuters
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