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Intense battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York

Novak Djokovic secured a hard-fought victory over his compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round of the 2024 US Open, winning 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 before Djere retired due to injury.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open
Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open

The Novak Djokovic-Laslo Djere match, played under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium due to rain, was a physical and mental battle for both players.

 

Djere, who had previously given Djokovic a tough time in the past, started the match strongly, putting pressure on the world number two. 

 

However, Djokovic’s experience and skill eventually prevailed as he took the first set.

In the second set, Djokovic continued to dominate despite facing some physical challenges of his own. Djere fought valiantly but was unable to match Djokovic’s consistency. 

The match was finally decided when Djere retired with a hip injury.

 

This victory wasn’t easy for Djokovic, who had to dig deep to overcome a determined opponent and his own physical limitations.

Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open
Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open

Despite the challenges, he managed to advance to the next round, where he will face Alexei Popyrin.

 

“It’s not what we want,” Djokovic said. “It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover. But he had an injury that took him out of the tour for some time and he is struggling to come back physically to this level.

 

“He’s such a good player, especially in these conditions. It should’ve been his second set, honestly. It was 4-2, 15-40. Overall, it was a big fight. Over two hours for two sets.

“I served awful. Playing without the serve, you have to grind, you have to run. I had to rely on my baseline game.”

 

Djokovic has now reached the third round or better in each of his 18 career appearances at Flushing Meadows. By winning his 90th match at the US Open, he became the first man in history to have recorded 90 or more victories at each of the four major tournaments.

Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open
Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open

In the first match of the evening session on Ashe stadium, Coco Gauff, the No 3 seed, overcame even muggier conditions beneath an open roof, a serve in total rebellion and one of the tour’s more nettlesome players to reach the third round with a 6-4, 6-0 win over 99th-ranked Tatjana Maria.

 

“Gauff’s title defense remained on track despite a challenging first set against the unconventional style of 37-year-old Maria. Maria’s slice-heavy game, while effective two years ago at Wimbledon, proved to be a frustrating challenge for Gauff.

 

Despite facing a high number of breakpoints and double faults in the opening set, Gauff managed to turn things around. She dominated the second set with powerful groundstrokes, especially her forehand.

Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open
Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open

The match ended with a decisive backhand winner from Gauff, securing her place in the third round.

 

“She’s not the easiest opponent to play against,” Gauff said post-match. “Her style is very demanding, especially with the slice. You have to generate all the power in your shots. It was a tough match, but I’m glad I got through.”

Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open
Intense Battle between Djokovic and Djere in New York / Photo via US Open

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