Novak Djokovic overcomes pain to reach US Open 2nd round: Wish I was younger

Novak Djokovic dug deep into his vast reservoir of Grand Slam experience to tame American teenager Learner Tien and book his place in the second round of the US Open on Sunday. The Serbian great, chasing a record-extending 25th major crown, battled through physical discomfort before emerging a 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 winner under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Playing his first singles match since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals last month, the 38-year-old traded the iconic whites for a sleek all-black outfit as he secured his 80th victory at Flushing Meadows. The triumph also ensured another entry into the record books—Djokovic became the first player in the Open Era to win 75 consecutive opening-round matches at Grand Slams, with 55 of those victories coming in straight sets.

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The clash itself was a tale of contrasts. “It was quite a strange match, to be honest,” Djokovic admitted. “The first set lasted just over 20 minutes, while the second went on for 1 hour and 20 minutes—completely opposite sets. The key was holding my nerves in the second set and clinching the tiebreak. After that, I started feeling better and finished the match in good fashion.”

The Serbian admitted to struggling physically at times, even taking a medical timeout for a blister on his right foot, but said there were positives to build on as he began his 20th US Open campaign.

For Djokovic, the occasion was as much about reflection as it was about survival. Facing a rival literally half his age, he acknowledged the realities of competing at the highest level past his athletic prime. “This is my 20th US Open. My opponent today is 19 years old—he’s literally half my age, which is incredible. At this stage of my career, it’s really about learning how to preserve energy for what matters. The body doesn’t recover as fast as it used to, so I dedicate as much time as I can to physical recovery while balancing it with mental freshness, motivation, and sharpness on the court.”

In a candid moment, Djokovic admitted: “At times I wish I was younger, but I can only be grateful for the amazing career I’ve had here in New York and worldwide. Hopefully, I can keep it going—I still want to compete, and I hope you’re enjoying my tennis.”

The night session crowd—an atmosphere Djokovic described as “the best in the world”—played its part in lifting the four-time US Open champion as he brushed off a time violation and a heated exchange with the umpire in the opening set. While Tien threatened briefly in the second set, he faded in the tiebreak before Djokovic’s heavy groundstrokes took control of the third.

Next up for the seventh seed is American Zachary Svajda, as Djokovic’s quest for history continues in New York.