Novak Djokovic (World No. 2 – Serbia) has reached the round of 16 at the US Open tennis tournament with a thrilling upset victory over a fellow countryman.
Djokovic won 3-2 (4-6 4-6 6-1 6-1 6-3) in a three-hour, 45-minute battle with world No. 38 László Zere in the men’s singles third round of the tournament in New York City on Sunday. Djokovic, who had won his previous two matches in straight sets, was forced to play a five-setter for the first time in the tournament. It was a “day and night match” that started late one night and ended at 1:35 a.m. local time the next morning. Djokovic’s round of 16 opponent will be Borna Gojko (World No. 105, Croatia), a 3-0 (6-4 6-4 6-2) winner over Ili Veselj (World No. 437, Czech Republic). This is the first time Djokovic and Gojko have met.스포츠토토
After dropping the first and second sets in straight sets, Djokovic turned the tide by taking a “bathroom break” just before the third set. With a 1-0 lead in the third set, Djokovic broke Zverev’s serve after a late rally. Djokovic saved his first break point and never relinquished the lead.
After the midway point, Zverev’s concentration dropped and his stamina waned, leading to a series of unforced errors. Djokovic dedicates the victory to the veteran. Djokovic, a 36-year-old veteran of the game, was also in a tough spot, but his mental toughness kept him going and he was the hero of the “come-from-behind” drama. In his post-match on-court interview, Djokovic said, “I was in the bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror, and I said a mantra to myself (‘Stay focused’). “I had to bring out the best in myself because the match wasn’t going my way,” he said of his victory.
Djokovic will be attempting to win his 24th major title at the tournament, the most in his career. He remains the all-time leader in that category with 23. In second place is rival Rafael Nadal (Spain). Nadal missed the tournament due to injury. When asked by the moderator if he knew about his next opponent, Gojow, Djokovic replied, “I don’t want to think about my opponent right now. I’m thirty-six. I’m only thinking about getting some sleep and recovering as much as possible.”