Is Djokovic's US Open Progress at Risk Despite Feeling Unwell?

Novak Djokovic has advanced to the third round of the US Open 2025 after a hard-fought victory against American qualifier Zachary Svajda. Despite feeling less than satisfied with his performance at times, Djokovic managed to secure a 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win. With a potential 25th Grand Slam title on the line, Djokovic aims to set the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in history.

Last updated: 03 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Djokovic faced early struggles but recovered to win against Svajda.
• This marks Djokovic's 75th third-round appearance at a major, surpassing Roger Federer.
• He has played only two matches since his Wimbledon semi-final loss.
• Injury concerns and fatigue are affecting Djokovic’s game as he ages.
• Djokovic is seeking his 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open 2025.

US Open 2025 Overview

The US Open 2025 is being held at Flushing Meadows, New York, from 24 August to 7 September. This prestigious tournament attracts top players from around the world, and Djokovic is one of the most prominent figures in the competition. The event is covered extensively with live radio commentaries available through 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, along with live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app.

Djokovic's Recent Performance

Novak Djokovic entered the US Open 2025 after a lengthy break, having not played since his semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in early July. This absence raised questions about his form and fitness going into the tournament. In his first match, Djokovic looked fatigued, but he managed to overcome these challenges against Svajda.

Match Analysis: Djokovic vs. Svajda

In the match, Djokovic appeared subdued early on, struggling to find his rhythm in the bright morning sun on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Svajda, who was unranked and a qualifier, took advantage of Djokovic's slow start, winning the first set in a tiebreak. However, Djokovic's experience shone through as he regained his composure, winning the next three sets convincingly.

Djokovic acknowledged, "I didn't feel that great to be honest. I wasn't happy with my tennis for the first part of the match, but also credit to Zach for playing some really high-quality tennis." His ability to adapt and overcome adversity has been a hallmark of his career, but at 38 years old, he is increasingly aware of his physical limitations.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Djokovic?

As the tournament progresses, Djokovic is keen to improve his performance. He stated, "I'm hoping the deeper I go into the tournament the better I feel about my game." This sentiment highlights the critical nature of matches at this level, where each round presents new challenges and opportunities for growth.

With fatigue being a concern, Djokovic's strategy will likely involve careful management of his body and recovery processes. He admitted, "It's obviously a little different in the past couple of years for me body-wise. I get wear and tear quicker than I ever used to so I have to deal with that." As such, every match will be crucial not only for his title aspirations but also for maintaining his physical health.

Historical Context: Djokovic’s Grand Slam Journey

Djokovic is on the brink of securing his 25th major title, which would set a new record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in history. This pursuit adds an extra layer of excitement to his appearances at major tournaments. Currently, he is tied with Margaret Court, who holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles across all tennis events.

Reaching the third round at the US Open marks Djokovic's 75th appearance at this stage in a Grand Slam tournament, surpassing Roger Federer's previous record of 74. This achievement underscores his longevity and consistent excellence in the sport.

Challenges for Djokovic

While Djokovic's achievements are remarkable, he faces significant challenges as he continues his career. The rigours of professional tennis take a toll on the body, and at 38, he must navigate issues related to recovery and performance. He has indicated that he now requires more time to prepare for matches and recover afterwards, which could affect his ability to compete at the highest level consistently.

As other younger players rise through the ranks, Djokovic's experience will be tested against fresh talent eager to make their mark on the sport. The next rounds of the tournament will reveal whether he can maintain his elite status in the face of these challenges.

Other Notable Matches and Players

In addition to Djokovic's match, the US Open 2025 has seen several exciting matchups. Notably, 21st seed Tomas Machac eliminated rising Brazilian star Joao Fonseca, who showed promise despite his defeat. Fonseca captured attention with a set point in the opener but ultimately fell to Machac's resilience. Meanwhile, Jiri Lehecka, the 20th seed, also advanced with a solid performance against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

The Impact of Player Fitness and Age

The increasing importance of fitness in tennis is evident as players like Djokovic, who have dominated the sport for years, begin to contend with the physical demands of the game. The trend towards younger, more athletic competitors has raised concerns about how veteran players can maintain their competitive edge. This is a common narrative in sports, where age can significantly impact performance, particularly in physically demanding disciplines like tennis.

Conclusion

As Novak Djokovic continues his journey at the US Open 2025, his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title not only highlights his personal ambitions but also represents a moment of reflection on the evolution of tennis. His ability to adapt and respond to challenges will be paramount in the upcoming rounds. The tournament will reveal whether Djokovic can reclaim his dominant form and secure his place in history as the player with the most Grand Slam titles.

As the excitement builds for the next matches, tennis fans are left wondering how Djokovic will fare against younger opponents and whether he can overcome the physical challenges he faces. Can he solidify his legacy with another title? The answer lies in the matches that lie ahead. #USOpen2025 #Djokovic #TennisHistory

FAQs

How many Grand Slam titles does Novak Djokovic currently have?

As of now, Novak Djokovic has 24 Grand Slam titles, making him one of the most successful players in tennis history.

What is Djokovic's goal at the US Open 2025?

Djokovic aims to win his 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open 2025, which would set a new record for the most titles in men's singles history.

How did Djokovic perform in his first match at the US Open 2025?

Djokovic faced early challenges but ultimately won his first match against Zachary Svajda, coming back from a set down to win 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

What record did Djokovic break by reaching the third round?

By reaching the third round, Djokovic set a new record for the most third-round appearances at Grand Slam tournaments, surpassing Roger Federer with his 75th appearance.

What challenges is Djokovic facing as an older player?

As he ages, Djokovic is experiencing increased wear and tear on his body, leading to concerns about fatigue and the need for more recovery time to perform at his best.