Sports — tennis

"Djokovic perseveres despite bodily setbacks"

Tennis player Novak Djokovic experiences a slip during his first match at the US Open yet proceeds to the second round, stirring debate about his physical condition for the remainder of the competition.

, and Administrator

2025 September 5 . 1:53 PM

2 min read

Overcomes physical hurdles, demonstrates determination: Djokovic's stance

"Djokovic perseveres despite bodily setbacks"

Novak Djokovic Triumphs in US Open First Round

Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian record Grand Slam champion, began his US Open 2025 campaign with a victory, defeating 19-year-old American tennis player Learner Tien in straight sets. The match, which lasted for 2 hours and 25 minutes, saw Djokovic win 6:1, 7:6 (7:3), 6:2.

The first set was a dominating display by Djokovic, who called the night sessions at the New York Arthur Ashe Stadium the best in the world. However, the second set proved to be a challenge, with Djokovic describing it as "pretty strange" due to his dominance in the first set and the tough resistance he faced in the second.

Visibly struggling, Djokovic was seen panting between rallies, moving slowly, and leaning on his racket for support. Despite these physical issues, he never lost his focus, narrowly avoiding a 2-4 deficit in the second set and forcing a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Djokovic received his second warning for time violation and had only one serve for the next point.

Djokovic called for a physiotherapist and had a blister taped on his toe after winning the second set. Despite the setback, he lost a break but quickly recovered and never faced danger again.

Djokovic remains motivated in his pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title, which would make him the sole record holder ahead of Australian Margaret Court (24). He expressed a wish that he had Learner Tien's age, noting that his body doesn't recover as quickly.

Looking ahead, Djokovic will face another young American, qualifier Zachary Svajda (22), in the second round. If he progresses, he will play against the winner of the match between Cameron Norrie and Francisco Comesaña in the third round.

Djokovic's focus is now on the Grand Slam tournaments, with his family life being his top priority. His daughter's birthday is on September 2nd, and he expressed a desire not to miss it anymore.

Since his triumph two years ago in New York, Djokovic has not won any of the four most important tennis titles. However, his first mandatory task at the US Open this year was completed without dropping a set, marking his 75th consecutive first-round win at a Grand Slam tournament.

Despite the physical challenges, Djokovic admitted that he felt surprised after the second set, stating that he had no injury or anything like that affecting his performance. He expressed his motivation to keep up with the younger generation and his determination to claim more Grand Slam titles.