Still a struggle but through unscathed: Novak Djokovic avoids Zachary Svajda scare in four sets at US Open

Novak Djokovic was far from his best once again at the US Open but he maintained his perfect second round record in New York to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows once again defeating Zachary Svajda.

Djokovic had to prevail in four sets so it was very much not easy but he managed to move through 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. He struggled past Learner Tien in his New York opener earlier this week in particular with his footwork and balance being a concern but he managed to get through at the US Open this time eventually.

The first set in particular was an issue albeit it was for both as Djokovic committed 14 unforced errors and found himself 3-1 down in the third set however he managed to benefit as Svajda couldn't capitalise and his level started to fade. This also due to the fact that the American had a leg injury it seemed. Seen as he was serving below 90 mph suddenly throughout the third and fourth sets.

With this win, he advances to the third round at a major for the 75th time. Roger Federer as expected held that tally with 74 in all, he still doesn't have one record though and that is a 25th major title. He now meets Cameron Norrie or Francisco Comesana.

Djokovic dropped the opening set as he pushed a Svajda forehand wide and even after levelling the match up, he was broken with a double fault to begin the third set. However Svajda's leg issue manifested itself as he was unable to muster much resistance.

This allowed Djokovic as he often does to go through the gears to surge through with momentum and seal the win. He served for the match with complete control hitting a forehand down the line to break. He hit a forehand long but ran to the net to slam dunk a volley and secured his spot in the third round.

He is still very much there to be got at though and Norrie or Comesana likely would've mopped up the opportunities handed to the American. Djokovic has reached three semi-finals in majors this year but has failed to get to the final. The last time this happened was 2017 so a long time to go and is evident of where his game currently is and how he can be got at.

“Not that great to be honest,” Djokovic said on court. “I was not really happy with my tennis in the first part of the match but also credit to Zach for playing some really high-quality tennis. It was unfortunate that he struggled with injury towards the end of the second, but kudos to him for staying on the court. He obviously could not serve as well as he did for the first set and a half but I wish him all the best.”

He continued to reflect but on his latest major results this time. “It is a little bit different in the past couple of years for me. Kind of get a wear and tear quicker than I used to. I have to deal with that, a lot of recovery stuff off the court to try to make myself able to perform at the highest level for as many hours on the court.”

Match Statistics Djokovic vs. Svajda