Novak Djokovic continues breaking records, reaching an incredible milestone in Grand Slams after defeating Laslo Djere (No. 109) in the second round of the US Open. The 37-year-old player advanced after his opponent retired, with Djokovic leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion played for more than two hours in the first two sets and had to overcome a difficult moment in the second set when he came back from 2-4, 15-40 to finally take the set and set the stage for the match’s conclusion.
“He (Djere) had an injury that took him off the tour for some time and he is struggling to come back physically to his level. He’s such a good player,” Novak Djokovic said about his opponent. “It should’ve been his second set honestly. He was 4-2 up, I don’t know whether me winning the second set put more burden on him mentally. Overall it was a big fight. Over two hours for two sets.”
In the third round, he will face the recent Canadian Open champion Alexei Popyrin (No. 28). The Australian has improved significantly during this hardcourt swing, recently securing his first Masters 1000 title and seeking to reach the fourth round of a Slam for the first time in his career.
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The incredible record of Djokovic
Djokovic reached 90 wins at the US Open, becoming the first player to break the 90-win mark at each of the four Grand Slams. The Serbian has an incredible 377-50 record (88.3%) considering the Australian Open (94-9), French Open (96-16), Wimbledon (97-12), and now the US Open (90-13).
Additionally, the 90 wins place him second in most victories at Flushing Meadows, surpassing Roger Federer’s 89, and trailing only Jimmy Connors with 98 wins. The world No. 2 currently has four titles at Flushing Meadows and, if he wins the trophy this year, he will tie with the top titleholders Pete Sampras, Connors, and Federer, all with five titles. So far, Djokovic has participated in the US Open 17 times and reached the final on 10 occasions (record 4-6).
Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at 2023 US Open.
The Serbian has the chance in this tournament to reach his 25th Grand Slam title and definitively surpass Margaret Court. Additionally, it could be his 100th career title.
Moreover, Djokovic seems well on his way to surpassing the 100-win mark at all Grand Slams. This year, if he wins the title, he could reach 95 wins at the US Open, meaning that in 2025, he could break the 100-win mark at each Grand Slam.