Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the 2024 U.S. Open after fellow Serbian Laslo Djere was forced to retire due to injury while trailing 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.
Djere, who had previously taken Djokovic to five sets in their dramatic third-round match at last year’s U.S. Open, started strong but began to struggle with his movement after sustaining an injury midway through the second set.
Despite the early retirement, Djokovic had to earn his place in the next round, contending with both Djere’s challenge and the intense heat at Flushing Meadows. The second seed showed signs of fatigue, frequently using ice towels during breaks to cool down.
Djokovic secured two key breaks in the first set, capitalizing on a string of unforced errors from Djere. He then took control of the second set before Djere requested a medical timeout after the ninth game.
Up next for Djokovic is a third-round clash with Australian Alexei Popyrin. Reflecting on the match, Djokovic expressed sympathy for Djere, saying, “It’s not the way anyone wants to win, and it’s not what the fans come to see.”
As Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title, he remains focused on improving his performance in the rounds ahead.
