Djokovic suffers, but advances due to Djere's withdrawal
The world number two holds on until the last moment against an opponent who ends up withdrawing due to physical problems in the hip.
Novak Djokovic claims a hard-fought victory against Laslo Djere with a score of 6-4, 6-4, and 2-0 in 2 hours and 12 minutes in a second-round match of the US Open 2024 that ended with the world number 109's retirement. The match's intensity was so high that Laslo surrendered physically in the third set. However, he gave Djokovic a tough battle during the first two sets, valuable time on the court that will surely help Djokovic raise his competitive level for the next round in the American event.
Once again, the Arthur Ashe roof remained closed due to the rains in New York, and despite Djokovic's request, he played the last match. With memories of a fierce battle they had last year at the same venue, Laslo posed a constant threat right from the start of the match. With an hour on the clock, Djokovic stepped up, pressuring Djere as much as possible to force the errors needed to secure the first break of the match and consequently claim the first set.
Despite Laslo's strong start, Djokovic broke through at a critical moment. Even though Djokovic's first-serve percentages weren't at their best, he still took the first set. Right after closing the set, the world number two called for the tour physiotherapist and doctor due to stomach issues. While Djere's sliced backhand sometimes fell short against Djokovic's powerful forehand, Laslo continued to fight, managing to secure a break, frustrating Djokovic with his own errors.
History Repeats Itself
The atmosphere turned even colder in Arthur Ashe due to Novak's constant and unusual double faults, totaling eight in 16 games. After Djokovic immediately recaptured the break, frustration shifted quickly to the other side of the net as Laslo called for treatment on his hip. Once again, in the crucial moments, the world number two rose to the occasion, while Djere attempted serves and net approaches without success.
Until Now
Despite Djere's commendable performance so far, the scoreline simplified Djokovic's task. Djokovic, when needed, went the extra mile, leaving his opponent almost hopeless. After securing a break in the third set and worsening discomfort that required on-court treatment, Laslo decided to retire from the match. Consequently, Djokovic advances to the third round at the US Open 2024, where he will face Alexei Popyrin.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic sufre, pero avanza por retirada de Djere