Novak Djokovic sends spirited message to rivals – Sports News
Novak Djokovic saved his playing cards close to his chest concerning his bodily situation in a defiant message to his rivals after securing a commanding win over Cam Norrie on the US Open.
Under the intense lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night, Djokovic — whose twenty fourth and newest Grand Slam triumph got here on the US Open in 2023 — methodically broke down Norrie to progress past the third spherical in 4 units. The Serbian legend battled via a fitness concern on the conclusion of the opening set to prevail 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3.
The triumph in opposition to Norrie — whom Djokovic has beforehand criticized for questionable conduct on courtroom — marked the 38 12 months previous’s record-breaking 395th profession victory at a Grand Slam match. He has additionally established himself because the oldest male participant to attain a US Open fourth spherical since Jimmy Connors, who was equally aged 38, in 1991.
During an entertaining on-court interview, which featured an sudden point out of Fat Joe the place the tennis icon referred to as the New York rapper “one of the best in the world,” Djokovic mentioned his bodily state. He obtained remedy from a physiotherapist and requested a medical break whereas battling via a back drawback, however Djokovic saved his particulars beneath wraps.
“You have some ups and downs but you don’t want to reveal too much to your rivals,” Djokovic declared as he gestured towards the digital camera and mischievously pulled a face. “I’m good man, I’m as young and as strong as ever.”
Djokovic lately expressed his plan to solely take part in Grand Slams as a strategy to keep his health and fitness, thereby enhancing his legacy.
His look on the US Open marks his first match since his straight-set defeat to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon about seven weeks in the past.
“Coming into the match, you want to win in straight sets without any drama – but that’s not possible,” Djokovic stated, a smile slowly spreading throughout his face. “My team wants me to suffer on the court so I can spend more minutes there.
“Looking from that perspective, it’s good.”
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He further added: “I’m nonetheless making an attempt to discover my groove. Today I performed the best I’ve up to now within the match.”
Djokovic skilled a dramatic tiebreak loss as he dropped 4 consecutive factors from a 3-1 lead, main to Norrie’s second set victory. However, this was the one setback for the Serb, who triumphed in roughly three hours, bettering his document to 7-0 in opposition to the Brit.
Norrie briefly appeared to take the offensive when he gained a break within the third set, however Djokovic retaliated. Norrie missed a break level alternative when he double faulted, enabling the previous world No. 1 to regain control and by no means look back.
Djokovic is set to compete in opposition to German Jan-Lennard Struff, who earlier upset Frances Tiafoe on Friday, for a spot within the US Open quarterfinals on Sunday, Aug 31.
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