Novak Djokovic admitted to a “physical struggle” during his first-round victory at the US Open, but hopes the dip in form was simply due to a lack of recent match practice.
The 38-year-old Serb, playing his first match since losing in the Wimbledon semi-finals in early July, overcame American teenager Learner Tien 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 in humid conditions at Flushing Meadows.
Despite a dominant first set, Djokovic’s level dropped notably in the second. He appeared flustered and unsteady during longer rallies, needing treatment for blisters on his toe after edging the tie-break. However, he dismissed any suggestion that injury was a factor.
“I don’t have any injury or anything. I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points,” said Djokovic, who is seeded seventh.
“I haven’t played an official match in six weeks. I had to deliver my A-game, which I think I did in the first set. In the second, particularly, it was surviving on the court. In the important moments I just put one ball more in the court than he did.”
With retirement drawing closer, Djokovic has continued to reduce his schedule. His focus now lies squarely on Grand Slam success, as he chases a record-breaking 25th major singles title.
He skipped the ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati, and recently voiced his dislike for the new two-week format adopted by many Masters tournaments, calling them overly drawn out.
But his commitment to the majors remains strong. The win over Tien marked his 75th consecutive first-round victory at a Grand Slam, a feat unmatched in the Open era.
“I wish I had Learner’s age,” Djokovic said with a smile in his on-court interview. “But when you come to the late 30s it’s about learning how to preserve the energy for what matters.
“I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy. Hopefully I can keep it going.”