Novak Djokovic Drops Set To Beat Zachary Svadja, Reaches US Open Third Round

Novak Djokovic fought against an early scare and finished strong in an epic fourth-round four-setter against Zachary Svadja, winning by 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 6-1 and progressed to the third round of the US Open. 

The four-time US Open champion is bidding for his first since winning his last trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2023. Svajda started with a stronger hand, but the Serbian veteran established control after losing the opening set. He has not won a Grand Slam since he won the US Open in 2023, and the only trophy he has won this season was at the Geneva Open. 

Djokovic was faced with fierce resolve from Svajda as both players saved two break advantages apiece in the first set, leading to the tiebreak. The American went out to outlast his opponent and claimed the set. Svajda came under challenge from Djokovic in the second set. Though the American saved two break advantages, the former champion claimed his first break and routed his opponent to win the set, leveling one set apiece. 

Svajda resurged in the third, breaking for the first time at 2-1 40/30. Djokovic got in a rally and broke back twice immediately in the fourth and sixth games of the third set, and he won, breaking the American for the fourth time out of eleven chances. Djokovic completed the rout, brilliantly breezing through the final set, taking the match point with a cross-court shot followed by an overhand slam. 

The further Djokovic has reached in a Grand Slam this season was the semi-final at Wimbledon, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. At the time, the four-time US Open champion sparked retirement rumours after the defeat. He revealed his retirement plan after winning the first round against Learner Tien, stating that he would like to be a coach. 

"My plan after I retire from tennis is to coach Fonseca. I'm going to be very expensive for him, so be ready," he said.