Novak Djokovic has revealed he apologised to Cameron Norrie after taking a medical timeout during their US Open clash, insisting his decision to leave the court was purely down to injury and not gamesmanship.
The former world No 1 overcame a scare in the opening set, dropping one to Norrie before recovering to secure a place in the last 16.
But much of the discussion centred on Djokovic’s sudden physical setback, which came with him leading 5-3 in the first set after a lengthy rally.
Djokovic immediately grimaced, called for the trainer and left the court for treatment, prompting speculation about whether the break might have disrupted Norrie’s momentum.
Novak Djokovic has revealed he apologised to Cameron Norrie after taking a medical timeout during their US Open clash, insisting his decision to leave the court was purely down to injury and not gamesmanship
|REUTERS
Addressing the incident afterward, Djokovic was keen to set the record straight.
“Yeah, it did happen. I was five, three up. I think it was 30-0, it was one, quite an exciting point, and I was at the net, and I was kind of moving in the right direction, and I caught the ball. It just made like, quick move and reaction,” he explained.
“I felt the left side of my back so, and I finished that game, and I just felt like I needed treatment."
Djokovic then admitted that he made a point of speaking to Norrie at the net after the match to clear up any potential misunderstanding.
“I told Cameron at the net, like I don’t know if he thinks that I was doing that on purpose to bother him or not, because it absolutely was not my intention," he continued.
"I felt like I needed that treatment, and I felt better after that."
The Serbian also admitted he is waiting to see how his body reacts in the days to come.
“When the meds kicked in as well, I don’t know when it gets cold tomorrow, I’ll see what the reality is," he said.
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Novak Djokovic speaks to Cam Norrie at the net following his win at the US Open
|REUTERS
"But yeah, I was lucky not to have that burden stay there. It was just there for a few games, and after that, it was fine.”
Djokovic’s form improved as the contest wore on.
Though he conceded a set, he was able to reassert control with his trademark precision from the baseline, keeping Norrie at bay to book a meeting with Jan-Lennard Struff in the round of 16.
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Another electric night on Ashe. Bright lights, loud music, rap royalty in the crowd. Few tough moments but NYC your energy got me through 🙌. Time to Lean Back 😆 then forward to R4. pic.twitter.com/hbypF7o3M2
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 30, 2025
The German qualifier stunned Frances Tiafoe in straight sets and, with his heavy serve and aggressive style, represents a dangerous opponent for Djokovic in the fourth round.
Djokovic is currently in pursuit of history, however, which only makes him more dangerous.
The Serb already holds 24 Grand Slam singles titles, tied with Margaret Court at the very top of the all-time list.
Novak Djokovic remains a man on a mission at the US Open this summer
|REUTERS
Victory at Flushing Meadows would move him to 25 and cement his status as the most decorated player in the sport’s history.
For now, the Serb insists his focus is on recovery and the next challenge.
Whether he can go all the way in New York, for a fifth time, remains to be seen.