Novak Djokovic roars back from 2-set hole, tops Laslo Djere at US Open

ESPN Information ProvidersSep 2, 2023, 01:32 AM ET5 Minute Learn

NEW YORK — Everybody ought to know by now to by no means depend out Novak Djokovic. Regardless of how massive a deficit he faces. Regardless of how poorly he could be taking part in.

And so it made sense that Djokovic would handle to come back all the way in which again from a two-set deficit to beat Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 within the third spherical of the US Open, avoiding what would have been his earliest exit there since 2006.

“In fact, profitable a match is all the time higher than shedding a match. It is so simple as that,” stated Djokovic, who subsequent faces Borna Gojo, a 25-year-old qualifier from Croatia making his US Open debut. “I believe the message is distributed to the remainder of the sphere that I am nonetheless capable of play 5 units deep at night time, and coming from two units down all the time sends a robust message to the long run opponents.

“However on the similar time, I am probably not desirous to be on this place, to be sincere. I want a straight-set win. So hopefully I can get again on that monitor within the subsequent match.”

This one started beneath the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night time and didn’t wrap up till greater than 3 1/2 hours later, concluding simply after 1:30 a.m.

It was Djokovic’s eighth profession victory after dropping the opening two units of a match. Earlier than Friday, Djokovic was 1-6 on the US Open when shedding the primary two units, with the lone win coming in opposition to Roger Federer within the 2011 semifinal.

As soon as he seized management, he held on tight and by no means let Djere recuperate. Within the crucible of a fifth set, Djokovic was cool as may be, accumulating 12 of the preliminary 14 factors to go away little doubt how this could go.

Djokovic, who improved to 38-11 in five-setters over his profession, has received three of his males’s file 23 Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows and been the runner-up a half-dozen occasions, together with in 2021. The 36-year-old from Serbia didn’t compete within the US Open final yr as a result of he could not journey to the US as a foreigner who is just not vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19; that rule was lifted this Might.

Djokovic is seeded No. 2 in New York behind Carlos Alcaraz, and just about everybody has been anticipating the 2 of them to fulfill for the championship on Sept. 10. That appeared as if it could be derailed by Djere, a 28-year-old who can also be from Serbia and was seeded thirty second.

“Belief me,” Djokovic stated, “it was nerve-racking all the way in which till the final shot.”

This may have been by far the most important victory of Djere’s profession: He was making an attempt to achieve the fourth spherical at a Grand Slam match for the primary time and got here into Friday with an 0-6 file at majors in opposition to opponents ranked within the high 10.

Maybe the intimidation issue that favors Djokovic in most matchups merely wasn’t there. They’ve recognized one another for years, practising collectively, spending time as Davis Cup teammates and competing on tour as a doubles pairing.

When it ended, they met on the internet for a hug, and Djokovic applauded as Djere walked off the court docket.

With the temperature down round 65 levels, Djere got here out robust. He was outlasting Djokovic on the lengthiest baseline exchanges.

“Every part was sort of in his placing zone,” Djokovic stated. “It was very exhausting for me to discover a resolution.”

Throughout the primary two units, Djere claimed 28 of 44 factors that lasted 5 or extra strokes. Djokovic’s footwork appeared a bit off. His management of the ball did, too. He would throw up his arms after some misses or grimace after others.

When Djokovic halfheartedly pushed a forehand return lengthy to finish the second set, the match was 1 hour, 33 minutes previous, and all the pieces was going Djere’s approach.

As he usually does when trailing, Djokovic headed to the locker room between units to vary his garments. And as he so usually does, Djokovic got here out a special participant.

“I did a bit pep speak within the mirror. I sort of laughed at myself, as a result of I used to be so … agitated,” Djokovic stated. “I pressured myself to … carry the spirits.”

He lastly broke for the primary time all night to steer 2-0 within the third set, profitable a 27-stroke level when Djere capitulated with a forehand into the online.

Djokovic flapped his arms and waved his palms to ask the gang to salute him. That set could be over in a blink.

“As soon as I received the break within the third, I believed, ‘OK. I’ve a shot. I’ve an opportunity. I’d as effectively go after it,’” he stated.

Djokovic broke to start the fourth, utilizing his trademark defensive expertise to extend some extent till snapping a forehand winner as Djere misplaced his footing.

Djokovic turned towards his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, and the remainder of his entourage within the stands, shouting and punching the air twice.

Later in that set, Djokovic ranged up to now to his proper to increase some extent that he was huge of the doubles alley, and Djere — doubtless shocked to see the ball headed again at him — missed a forehand.

That was a part of a sample that will be repeated down the stretch. Message despatched.

The Related Press contributed to this report.