Djokovic Advances as Djere Retires; Gauff and Sabalenka Secure Wins

Posted : 29 August 2024

Defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the US Open on Wednesday after his opponent, Laslo Djere, retired in the third set with Djokovic leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0. Despite the victory, Djokovic acknowledged the need for improvement if he aims to secure his fifth title in New York. Djokovic noted that Djere, who had been competitive throughout the match, was hindered by physical issues, commenting that it was unfortunate Djere couldn’t continue. Djokovic also reflected on the match's challenges, including his own difficulties with serving.

Djokovic's win marked his 90th US Open match victory, making him the first man to achieve this milestone across all four Grand Slams. The match was a strenuous one, with Djokovic needing to rely heavily on his baseline game due to serving issues. Djere managed to gain an early break in the second set and had opportunities to extend his lead but was ultimately unable to capitalize, leading to Djokovic's victory after two hours of intense play.

Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face Australian Alexei Popyrin, whom he has previously defeated at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. Djokovic, fresh from a victorious Paris Olympics, will aim to refine his game further to maintain his championship aspirations at the US Open. The match against Popyrin will test Djokovic’s adaptability and form as he seeks to defend his title.

In other notable matches, defending women’s champion Coco Gauff overcame a shaky performance in serving to defeat Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-0. Despite Gauff's serving struggles, including nine double faults and only a 44 percent first-serve rate, she managed to secure the win with a strong finish. Aryna Sabalenka also progressed smoothly, defeating Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-1, while Alexander Zverev advanced with a straight-sets victory over Alexandre Muller.

The extreme weather conditions during the day led to mid-match breaks as per the tournament’s extreme weather rule. Players like Tomas Etcheverry and Andrey Rublev contended with the harsh conditions, with Etcheverry experiencing issues due to overhydration and Rublev dealing with discomfort from excessive water intake. Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen and Barbora Krejcikova experienced contrasting outcomes, with Zheng rallying from a set down to win and Krejcikova falling to a surprising defeat.

The tournament continues to unfold with dramatic matches and surprising results, highlighting the challenges players face amid the intense heat and competitive pressure. As the third round approaches, players will need to navigate both physical demands and their opponents' strategies to advance further in the prestigious event.

Djokovic Advances as Djere Retires; Gauff and Sabalenka Secure Wins

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