US Open: Novak Djokovic Battles Back Issue To Etch History; Downs Norrie To Reach Last 16

Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 08:30 IST

Novak Djokovic beats Cameron Norrie to reach the US Open fourth round, becoming the oldest man since Jimmy Connors in 1991 to do so and chasing a record 25th major title.

Novak Djokovic at the US Open (AP)

Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the US Open on Friday, defeating Britain’s Cameron Norrie in four sets to become the oldest man to reach the last 16 in New York since Jimmy Connors achieved the feat in 1991.

The 38-year-old Serbian prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-3, securing his 192nd Grand Slam match victory on hard courts—a record across the men’s game. The win keeps Djokovic on course for a historic 25th major title, which would move him further clear of Rafael Nadal’s tally of 22 and Margaret Court’s all-time mark of 24.

‘It’s good that I get tested’

Despite being pushed by Norrie, Djokovic welcomed the challenge after a summer of limited match play.

“Coming into any match you really want to win in straight sets without any drama, but obviously that’s not possible," Djokovic said after the contest.

“It’s good that I get tested. I obviously haven’t had any matches since Wimbledon. I’m still trying to find my rhythm and my groove on the court."

The victory extends Djokovic’s flawless record against Norrie to seven wins from seven encounters and secures his 16th career appearance in the US Open fourth round.

On Sunday, he will face German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff, who has already ousted two seeded players—Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe—en route to his first appearance in the last 16 at Flushing Meadows.

Back concern in the opening set

Djokovic started confidently, breaking Norrie in the seventh game of the opening set and closing it out 6-4. Yet there was a moment of concern as he required the physio to work on his lower back late in the set, before heading off court for a medical timeout.

At Wimbledon in July, Djokovic took an awkward fall in the last game of his quarterfinal victory, tweaking his groin muscle, and while he stayed in the bracket there, he was clearly compromised during a semifinal loss against eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Asked afterward about the issue, Djokovic played down any injury fears. “It’s all right, you have some ups and downs. You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals listening," he said with a grin, offering no further details.

(with AP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 30, 2025, 08:30 IST

News sports US Open: Novak Djokovic Battles Back Issue To Etch History; Downs Norrie To Reach Last 16

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