Svajda's physicist saves Djokovic's bad day

Andrés Tomás Rico | 27 Aug 2025 | 20.20

Svajda's physicality saves Djokovic from a bad day. Photo: Getty Images

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Luck smiled on Novak Djokovic, although the Serbian was not in a smiling mood. He managed to secure the victory in the second round of the US Open, but partly because Zachary Svajda's physical condition prevented him from putting up more of a fight than he already was. Svajda played at a high level for a set and a half, and the Balkan player couldn't find a way to harm him with a lackluster and rough version of his tennis. Nevertheless, he avoided disaster and won by 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, but he will need to react if he wants to compete for his 25th Grand Slam.

From a debut night session to being the first match of the day in his second duel. It had been years since Djokovic was seen playing at such an early hour, and it seemed to affect his biorhythms. Svajda's high level didn't help either, as despite being outside the top 100 (145th), he arrived in New York after winning two ATP Challengers (Lexington and Newport) and with four consecutive victories (three from qualifying and the first-round match).

The 24-time Grand Slam champion started off without rhythm and without a way to trouble Svajda's serve, all while complaining about the strong sunlight and shadows at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

A Sleepy and Rhythmless Novak Djokovic

The American, aware that these opportunities only come once in a lifetime, tried to break a still-sleepy Djokovic who had not yet woken up. He had two chances he didn't seize, but still, the expected reaction from the Serbian didn't come as he continued to lack energy and seemed a bit crestfallen.

In fact, he was on the verge of conceding the first set being 5-4 down and 0-30, but he saved it more from inertia than conviction. With these strange sensations in the Balkan player's game, the tiebreak was reached. Djokovic was frustrated and overwhelmed by the heat, with his first serve failing to deliver, appearing vulnerable and angry, even threatening to break his racket. The situation only worsened, and Svajda took the initiative to secure a well-deserved first set (7-6(5)).

Djokovic needed to shake off the sluggishness if he didn't want to exit early from the last Grand Slam of the season. Although the start of the second set followed the same path as the first, Djokovic woke up, stepped it up, and started moving better. He got his first break of the match in the seventh game of the second set. The sun disappeared behind the clouds, and Djokovic's tennis began to flourish; after the warning in the first set, he got down to business and closed out the second set 6-3.

Physical Issues Halted Zachary Svajda Abruptly

The adrenaline and intensity of the match took a toll on Svajda, who called for the physio due to cramps in his left thigh. Nevertheless, he persevered and broke Djokovic's serve, whose response seemed incomplete. However, Svajda's discomfort persisted, his game level dropped dramatically, and without doing anything extraordinary, Djokovic claimed the third set 6-3.

The match was practically decided, despite Svajda's courageous efforts to prolong a game he had within reach at times. But physical issues prevented him from the dream of defeating Novak Djokovic, and he fell with honor (6-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1). While Djokovic appreciated the American's physical setback, he still struggled to find his form, as was the case in the first match. It remains to be seen if he will regain it in the third round against Cameron Norrie or Fran Comesaña.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El físico de Svajda salva un mal día de Djokovic