Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Friday, defeating unseeded Briton Cameron Norrie with a score of 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3, while managing a brief lower back issue. The match took place under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the 38-year-old showcased his renowned resilience, making him the oldest man to reach the last 16 at Flushing Meadows since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
Djokovic, the all-time leader in Grand Slam titles with 24 and match wins with 395, achieved another significant milestone by surpassing Roger Federer for the most hardcourt wins at majors, marking his 192nd victory. He also maintained his perfect record against Norrie, extending it to 7-0.
“I guess coming into the match, any match, you really want to win in straight sets without any drama and just ease through, but that’s not possible,” Djokovic commented. He added, “My team wants me to suffer on the court so I can get some more minutes spent in match play. It’s good that I get tested. I hadn’t played any matches since Wimbledon, and it’s been quite a long time for us, five to six weeks. I’m still trying to find my groove and my rhythm on court.”
Early in the match, Djokovic applied pressure to Norrie, breaking for a 4-3 lead with a forehand winner. He then hit the ninth of his 18 aces in the next game to solidify his advantage. “I think it was probably the best serving performance of the tournament,” Djokovic stated. “So of course I’m glad. It’s probably one of the most, if not the most important shot in the game. Yeah, I’m glad how I executed that shot.”
After taking a 5-4 lead in the first set, Djokovic began to feel discomfort from his back and briefly left the court for treatment before returning to close out the set. He required additional medical attention early in the second set, during which his serve speed momentarily dropped. Despite this setback, he contested a tight tiebreaker that Norrie ultimately won.
Norrie broke Djokovic early in the third set, but Djokovic responded with three consecutive games and even managed to silence a disruptive fan. Regaining full control, he closed out the third set and dominated the fourth, securing the win and setting up a matchup with Jan-Lennard Struff.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/08/31/djokovic-advances-to-fourth-round-in-us-open/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-31 06:10:00
