Novak Djokovic fights past pain to reach US Open 2nd round, admits “Wish I was younger”

Novak Djokovic showcased his experience and resilience to defeat American teenager Learner Tien and advance to the second round of the US Open on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Serbian, aiming for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, battled through physical discomfort, including a blister on his right foot that required a medical timeout, to win 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This marked Djokovic’s first singles match since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals last month and secured his 80th victory at Flushing Meadows. With this win, he became the first player in the Open Era to claim 75 consecutive opening-round matches at Grand Slams, 55 of which came in straight sets.

Djokovic described the match as “quite a strange match,” highlighting the contrast between the swift first set and the hour-and-20-minute second set. He said maintaining his composure in the tiebreak was crucial, after which he gained momentum to close out the third set comfortably.

Reflecting on the generational gap, Djokovic noted that facing a 19-year-old opponent “literally half my age” emphasized the importance of energy management and recovery at this stage of his career. “The body doesn’t recover as fast as it used to, so I dedicate time to physical recovery while keeping mental freshness, motivation, and court sharpness,” he explained.

In a candid moment, Djokovic admitted, “Sometimes I wish I was younger, but I am grateful for my career here in New York and worldwide. I hope to keep competing and that fans are enjoying my tennis.”

The lively night session crowd helped Djokovic maintain focus, even after a time violation and a brief dispute with the umpire. Though Tien challenged him in the second set, he faded in the tiebreak, allowing Djokovic to take control in the third.