Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the 2025 US Open after overcoming American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The 38-year-old Serbian's victory marked a significant milestone, matching Roger Federer's all-time record of 191 hard-court victories at Grand Slam tournaments.
Despite dropping the opening set to his 145th-ranked opponent, the seventh seed recovered impressively to secure his 92nd win at Flushing Meadows.
The four-time US Open champion's triumph keeps his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title on track.
Novak Djokovic is through to the next round of the US Open
|REUTERS
The 22-year-old Svajda began confidently, employing aggressive baseline play and powerful serving to trouble the former world number one.
The American secured the first set tiebreak 7-5 with a commanding backhand down the line that Djokovic failed to return.
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However, Svajda's momentum faltered when he developed physical problems late in the second set, requiring treatment on both legs.
His serving power noticeably diminished, allowing Djokovic to capitalise and break for a 4-2 advantage in the second set.
The Serbian veteran won 11 of the final 12 games as his opponent's movement became increasingly restricted.
Djokovic acknowledged his struggles during the post-match interview, admitting: "I didn't feel that great to be honest. I wasn't happy with my tennis for the first part of the match, but also credit to Zach for playing some really high-quality tennis."
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Novak Djokovic came from behind to beat Zachary Svajda
|REUTERS
The Serbian expressed sympathy for his opponent's physical difficulties, noting the American's inability to maintain his early serving prowess after the injury.
Regarding his own fitness concerns, Djokovic revealed: "It's obviously a little different in the past couple of years for me body-wise, I get wear and tear quicker than I ever used to."
He remains optimistic about improving his form as the tournament advances.
Roger Federer's all-time record of 191 hard-court victories at Grand Slam tournaments has now been matched by Novak Djokovic
| PADjokovic will meet either Britain's Cameron Norrie or Argentina's Francisco Comesana in the third round as he continues his campaign for a record-breaking 25th major title.
The Serbian currently shares the all-time Grand Slam singles record of 24 titles with Margaret Court, having last triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2023.
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Novak Djokovic steadies the ship and sails into R3! pic.twitter.com/34LgoEpMBi
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 27, 2025
His latest victory also marked his 75th appearance in the third round of a major tournament, surpassing the previous record he shared with Federer.
With a 394-54 career record at Grand Slams and having reached the semi-finals at all three majors this year, Djokovic remains a formidable contender despite his advancing years.