Novak Djokovic Advances to US Open Third Round After Laslo Djere Retires
Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the US Open after his compatriot Laslo Djere retired early in the third set due to injury. Djokovic, the second seed, was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere called it quits under the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof.
“It’s not what we want,” Djokovic stated regarding the walkover. He acknowledged Djere’s struggles with injuries that have hindered his performance. Despite the win, Djokovic struggled with his serve, landing only 47 percent of his first serves and racking up 26 unforced errors during the two-hour, 16-minute match.
Djokovic’s victory marks a significant milestone, making him the first male player to achieve 90 wins at each Grand Slam. He is now just eight wins away from tying Jimmy Connors for the most match wins at the US Open. Djokovic’s next challenge will be Alexei Popyrin, whom he has defeated twice this year at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. As he aims for a fifth US Open title and his 25th major crown, Djokovic continues his pursuit of breaking records in the sport.
