Djokovic and a debut with lights and shadows

Novak Djokovic emerged victorious in the first-round match of the US Open 2025 against Learner Tien with a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6(3), and 6-2 in a battle that lasted 2 hours and 24 minutes. The American came very close, just a point away from taking the second set, but the Serbian managed to thwart all his opponent's attempts, who failed to capitalize on the advantages he had in the match. Novak will face Zachary Svajda in the next round.

Maintaining his cruising speed, the Serbian did not let up despite a peculiar situation in his second service game when, following an unusual double fault, the chair umpire warned Novak for taking too long. That warning brought a smile to Djokovic's face as he did not expect it just ten minutes into the match.

After a friendly discussion, the match continued at its regular pace, with the Serbian clinching the first set in just half an hour. Apart from a few net approaches that caught Tien off guard, that first set was an absolute monologue by the European.

Tien dangerously approaches Djokovic

Although rallies lengthened and the European made a few errors from the baseline, Learner did not get much respite, just like Djokovic who saw his opponent closing in at times. Parallel shots saved the Serbian on multiple occasions, while the American showcased a great level of serving to create opportunities for himself.

Boosted by the crowd, the local player revived himself to deliver an incredible performance in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, perfectly defending himself against the fierce attacks coming from the other side of the net. After numerous deuces and break point chances, Learner and Novak found themselves in a tiebreak. The intensity escalated with each stroke, both players leaving everything on the court in the battle for points.

Djokovic displayed signs of struggle in his breathing, repeating gestures seen during changeovers, with some discomfort in the rib/lung area. It was precisely during those moments, while sharing his pain with his team, that the chair umpire issued a new warning, resulting in Djokovic losing his first service. Pushed to his physical limits, Nole surprised with a serve and volley, with his team showing visible concern.

Simultaneously with winning the second set, Djokovic received on-court medical treatment for minor foot issues. Transitioning from relief upon winning that set, Novak quickly turned to frustration when he was broken early, but he swiftly recovered with some help from Tien.

Djokovic completes his task

Descending without brakes, it seemed like the American player's fuel had completely run out, all facing an opponent who kept pushing relentlessly. Despite a setback where Djokovic lost his serve when serving for the match, it was from the return that Nole sealed his victory.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic y un debut con luces y sombras