Comeback king Novak Djokovic lives on at US Open as Laslo Djere makes a mockery of so-called ‘easy path’

Shahida Jacobs
Novak Djokovic in action
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during a match

Novak Djokovic was supposed to be in cruise control at the US Open following several early upsets in New York, but no one told Laslo Djere about that particular script.

Djere took the fight to his fellow Serbian during their third-round clash on Arthur Ashes Stadium and after two sets many wondered if they were about to witness the biggest upset of the 2023 US Open so far.

But Djokovic did what he does best; come back from seemingly impossible situations.

Having dropped only 11 games in his first two matches, many believed the 23-time Grand Slam winner would be in for another easy ride on Friday.

Djere, though, had other ideas as he raced into a two set to love lead before Djokovic summoned the god-mode that comes out when he needs it most to walk away with a 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory in three hours and 45 minutes.

Djokovic took another of his famous toilet breaks after going two sets down and during the post-match on-court interview he revealed he gave himself a pep talk.

“Actually I did. And I’m not lying. I did a pep talk in the mirror and kind of laughed at myself because I was so agitated.. I had to force myself to lift myself up.”

It was a shock start to the match for those who thought Djokovic would dominate as Djere broke in the first game and served out the set.

After his more esteemed compatriot saved a break point in game three of the second set, the 32nd seed managed to break two games later and suddenly it looked like there could be an upset on the cards.

But Djokovic is at his best when he has his back against a wall and he wasted no time in the third set as he raced into a 5-0 lead with two breaks. Following a couple of early shared breaks, the second seed took charge with three more breaks to take it to a decider.

When Djokovic broke in the second game of the fifth set, it was all over bar the shout although Djere battled on bravely as he made his compatriot serve out the match.

Up next is Borna Gojo after the Croatian qualifier defeated Jiri Vesely in three sets and if Djokovic comes through that then he is likely to face ninth seed Taylor Fritz for a place in the semi-final.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic opens up on dealing with fame and the threat to his mental health

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