Novak Djokovic Voices Physical Concerns After US Open Win

Last Updated:August 25, 2025, 09:12 IST

Djokovic required a lengthy medical timeout to treat a blister on his right foot between the second and third sets.

Novak Djokovic at the US Open [AFP Photo]

Novak Djokovic is worried that his lack of physical conditioning might affect his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. The 38-year-old Serbian star started his campaign on Sunday with a victory over US teenager Learner Tien, winning 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in 2hr 25min at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic required a lengthy medical timeout to treat a blister on his right foot between the second and third sets. He later admitted his concern about suddenly losing stamina during the second set.

“I started great — just over 20 minutes, first set, I felt really good," Djokovic said. “Then some long games to start the second set… I really was surprised how bad I was feeling in the second physically. We had long exchanges, but also, I kind of dropped my level and made a lot of unforced errors and kind of got him back into the match. There are positives but also things that hopefully won’t happen in terms of how I felt on the court physically in the second set."

“It’s slightly a concern. I don’t know. I don’t have any injury or anything. I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points," he added.

Djokovic has not played since his defeat in the Wimbledon semi-finals last month, skipping ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati to focus on the US Open. Despite showing some rustiness on Sunday, Djokovic also displayed moments of brilliance that have defined his stellar career.

Djokovic began with a strong start, securing the first set 6-1 with a series of winners. In a more challenging second set, Tien had a chance to level the match but could not convert a break point. Djokovic held serve, making it 5-5 and then won the second-set tie-break, using clever net play and variations to keep Tien on the move.

After taking a medical timeout for his right foot, Djokovic returned energized, quickly advancing to a 5-1 lead in the third set. Tien managed to save a match point and break Djokovic’s serve for 5-2, but Djokovic immediately broke back to clinch the victory.

“I wish I had Learner Tien’s age — when you come to the late 30s it’s about learning how to preserve the energy for what matters," Djokovic said. “I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy. Hopefully I can keep it going," he told the crowd.

Djokovic will play US qualifier Zachary Svajda in the second round.

(With AFP Inputs)

Aakash Biswas

A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had ...Read More

A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had ...

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First Published:

August 25, 2025, 09:12 IST

News sports Novak Djokovic Voices Physical Concerns After US Open Win

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