Novak Djokovic recovered from an early wobble on 27 August 2025 to defeat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 and progress to the third round of the us open for a record-equalling 19th time.
The 38-year-old Serbian, aiming for an unprecedented 25th grand slam singles title, made a slow start on arthur ashe stadium. Svajda, ranked 145th and appearing in only his seventh major main draw match, impressed with some fearless hitting and snatched the opening set in a tense tie-break with a blistering backhand down the line.
Djokovic admitted afterwards that he was “not happy” with his tennis in the early stages but praised the 22-year-old American for his “high quality” play. He added: “I hope as the tournament goes on my rhythm and physical condition improve. At my age, the wear and tear arrives a bit quicker than it used to.”
The seventh seed steadied himself in the second set, cutting his unforced errors from 14 to just four and breaking for a 4-2 lead before levelling the match. Despite briefly trailing 3-1 in the third, he reeled off five consecutive games to take control, while Svajda began struggling physically and required repeated treatment to his legs.
Djokovic then dominated the fourth set, breaking twice and sealing victory with a powerful overhead smash – his 92nd win at the us open. The triumph marked his 191st grand slam hard-court win, equalling the all-time record, and his 75th appearance in the last 32 of a major, surpassing Roger Federer.
He will next face either Britain’s Cam Norrie or Argentina’s Francisco Comesana.