Cezar Titor article – published Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 21:51 / Updated Wednesday, August 27, 2025 21:51
Novak Djokovic (38 years old, 6 ATP) checked a new record, after victory with American Zachary Svajda from Flushing Meadows, score 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
The Serb had a complicated debut in the second round at the US Open. The champion quadruple of the competition was seriously put in difficulty by the American Zachary Svajda, but his physical problems helped the Serb to return the game and impose themselves. Through this victory, Djokovic has equal an important record held by Roger Federer so far.
The match had a special frame right from the beginning. Although playing at the US Open for two decades, Djokovic first entered the central Arthur Ashe field in the first match of the day. Otherwise, the Serb had been scheduled either in the afternoon session or in the evening.
His opponent, the 102nd place, started bravely and took advantage of Djokovic's hesitations in the first set. The Serb missed a break in the first game, and then Svajda forced the tiebreak, where he closed the set with a spectacular backhand on the line.
Djokovic seemed lacking in energy in the first shifts, but during the second set he raised his level, found the rhythm and restored equality. Meanwhile, the American has begun to feel medical problems on the left foot, and its travel has become visibly affected.
Even so, Svajda drove 3-1 in the third set, a moment that sparked hopes among the spectators. However, Djokovic immediately made a rebreak and did not give any chance to the opponent, who constantly lost land. The Serb, the holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, gave up only a range to the end and was clear. This was his 15th victory in as many meetings with American players at the US Open.
I was not at all satisfied with the way I started, but I have to admit that Zachary played very well. It is a shame that he had physical problems, but I respect him for the fact that he took the match to the end. He could see that he could not serve as at first.
– Novak Djokovic
Djokovic equalized on Roger Federer at the Hard Victory chapter
Thanks to this success, the Serb reached 191 victories on the hard in the Grand Slam tournaments, equaling the record held by Federer. Djokovic now has 99 successes at the Australian Open and 92 at the US Open, while Federer had gathered 102 in Melbourne and 89 in New York.
In addition, Djokovic has secured for the 19th time the qualification in the third round at Flushing Meadows, a perfect balance in all his participations. The next obstacle will be the winner of Cameron Norrie and Francisco Comesana, a match in which the Serb has the opportunity to permanently overcome the record of the legendary Federer.
14 titlesBig Slem has Novak Djokovic on the hard: 10 at the Australian Open, 4 at the US Open.
