Novak Djokovic Stages Dramatic Comeback to Secure Spot in US Open Last 16
New York, Sept. 1 (AFP) – Novak Djokovic showcased his exceptional resilience by mounting a remarkable recovery from being two sets down to defeat his compatriot Laslo Djere in a thrilling five-set battle at the US Open, clinching his place in the last 16 of the tournament.
The second seed initially struggled at the Arthur Ashe Stadium but managed to bounce back and secure a hard-fought 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 victory in a match that lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes.
This marked the eighth time in Djokovic’s career that he has overturned a 0-2 deficit to win in five sets at a Grand Slam event. “I hope you enjoyed the show,” the Serbian tennis star told fans during an on-court interview after the match, which concluded at around 1:30 am on Saturday, Sept. 1. “It was definitely not so enjoyable for me, especially in the first two sets. It was one of the toughest matches I’ve played here for many, many years.”
Djokovic’s calmness under pressure proved crucial in his victory. His opponent, Djere, seeded 32nd in New York, had never advanced beyond the third round at a Grand Slam tournament and had suffered first-round exits in his previous four appearances at the US Open. However, the 28-year-old surprised Djokovic by taking the first two sets, displaying composure and confidence while breaking his compatriot once in each set.
Yet Djokovic found his rhythm and dominance in the third, fourth, and fifth sets. Djere’s previously impenetrable serve started to falter, giving Djokovic the opportunity to break twice in the third set and four times in the fourth, setting up a decider.
From that point onwards, it was clear that there would be only one winner as Djokovic broke Djere once again and quickly raced to a 4-1 lead. He then served for the match at 5-3. Though Djere saved one match point, Djokovic sealed victory on the next one when his opponent’s backhand went wide.
Djokovic later revealed that he had motivated himself with an angry pep talk in the locker room after falling two sets behind. “I did a little pep talk in the mirror,” he shared. “I laughed at myself because I was so pissed off with the way I played, to try and lift my spirits up. I’ve done it a few times before in my career and it hasn’t worked, but tonight it did, and I’m grateful.”
Djokovic, who is aiming to secure his record-extending 24th Grand Slam title in New York, will now face Croatia’s Borna Gojo, ranked 105th, in the Round of 16 on Sunday, with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake.
