‘One of the toughest matches’ - Novak Djokovic battles back from two sets down to oust Laslo Djere at US Open
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Updated 02/09/2023 at 15:03 GMT
Novak Djokovic's bid for a record-extending 24th major title faced a surprisingly stern test from his compatriot Laslo Djere at the US Open. Djokovic had to fight back from two sets down to win a match he described as "one of the toughest" he has faced in New York. The second seed will face Croatian qualifier Bora Gojo next at Flushing Meadows after an epic that finished around 01:30 local time.
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Novak Djokovic produced a comeback for the ages by responding from two sets down to beat fellow Serbian Laslo Djere at the US Open and book a spot in the fourth round.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion showed his trademark resilience in a 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-1 6-3 win that concluded after 01:30 local time following a three hour, 45-minute epic.
The No. 2 seed will face Bora Gojo of Croatia next in his bid for a record-extending 24th major title and his third of the year following victories at the Australian Open and Roland-Garros.
“Unbelievable. It’s almost 2am, a large number of people stayed,” Djokovic said.
“I hope [the fans] enjoyed the show, it was definitely not so enjoyable for me, especially in the first two sets.
“It was one of the toughest matches I’ve played here in many years. Huge, huge credit to Laslo for playing some of the best tennis that I’ve ever seen him play.”
World No. 38 Djere was a huge underdog against his illustrious compatriot, but appeared unfazed by the occasion as he came roaring out of the blocks in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djere’s big shot-making from the baseline helped him overpower Djokovic in the rallies during a sensational opening two sets and he finished the match with 42 winners to his opponents’ 34.
But the 36-year-old took a crucial bathroom break before set three and immediately broke Djere on his return to kick-start a comeback.
"I did a little pep talk in the mirror," Djokovic explained.
"I kind of laughed at myself because I was so pissed off and agitated. I had to kind of force myself to lift myself up.
“I've done it a few times before in my career and it worked. A few times it didn't work. Tonight it did."
It was the eighth time in Djokovic’s career that he has fought back from two sets down to win in five, the last coming at Wimbledon last year against Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.
An early break proved enough or Djere to take the opener and one service break again sufficed for the Serbian to take the second set as he remained unbroken behind his own serve.
But Djokovic finally found a way through early in set three and went on to win 12 of the next 14 games to level things up and set up a decider.
Nole broke early in set five between two holds for a 3-0 lead and wouldn’t relinquish his advantage, putting together two consecutive love holds before saving a break point on his way to serving out the match.
His next opponent, qualifier Gojo, beat Jiri Vesely 6-4 6-3 6-2 to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time.
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