NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic stayed within the hunt for a document twenty fifth Grand Slam trophy on Friday by rapidly recovering from a decrease again downside to beat unseeded Briton Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2 6-3 and attain the fourth spherical of the US Open.
The 38-year-old’s battling victory underneath the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium made him the oldest man to achieve the final 16 at Flushing Meadows since American Jimmy Connors managed the feat on the identical age in 1991.
Already the holder of essentially the most Grand Slam titles (24) and match wins (395), Djokovic reached one other milestone by surpassing Swiss maestro Roger Federer to develop into the person with essentially the most hardcourt victories on the majors together with his 192nd win.
The four-times New York winner additionally improved his document towards Norrie to 7-0.
“I assume coming into the match, any match, you actually need to win in straight units with none drama and simply ease via, however that is not potential,” mentioned Djokovic, who’s taking part in in his first occasion since shedding to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon final month.
“My group needs me to undergo on the courtroom so I can get some extra minutes spent in match play. It is good that I get examined. I hadn’t performed any matches since Wimbledon and it has been for us fairly a very long time, 5 to 6 weeks.
“I am nonetheless looking for my groove and my rhythm on courtroom,” added the Serb, who mentioned Friday’s efficiency was an enchancment on his first two matches.
‘YOUNG AS EVER’
Djokovic wasted no time in heaping the strain on Norrie and broke for a 4-3 lead with a forehand winner earlier than launching the ninth of his 18 aces throughout the competition within the following recreation to consolidate his early benefit.
“I feel it was in all probability the perfect serving efficiency of the match,” Djokovic added.
“So after all I am glad. It is in all probability probably the most, if not a very powerful shot within the recreation. Yeah, I am glad how I executed that shot.”
Djokovic then started to really feel the consequences of a again downside after going up 5-4 and obtained remedy off the courtroom earlier than returning to serve out the opening set.
He referred to as for extra medical consideration three video games into the following set and his first-serve pace briefly dipped following that break in play.
Nonetheless, he began to fireplace on all cylinders once more and went toe-to-toe with Norrie, who needed to battle again from a two-point deficit early within the tiebreak to go stage within the match.
A elegant drop shot helped Norrie break within the opening recreation of the third set however Djokovic struck again to win three straight video games, pausing alongside the way in which to bark at somebody within the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands to remain quiet.
Djokovic continued to reassert himself from there, closing out the set comfortably and totally hitting his stride within the fourth to take care of his 100% document towards Norrie and ebook a gathering with Jan-Lennard Struff.
“You will have some ups and downs. I assume you do not need to reveal an excessive amount of (in regards to the damage) to the rivals listening and watching,” Djokovic added.
“I am good, man. I am as younger as ever and robust as ever.”
—Reuters
