Novak Djokovic admits physical ‘concern’ after first-round win in New York

Novak Djokovic admitted he was concerned by his physical difficulties after battling past young American Learner Tien in the opening round of the US Open.

While a 6-1 7-6 (3) 6-2 scoreline may appear routine, Djokovic looked anything but comfortable in the closing stages of a second set which lasted 82 minutes.

The 38-year-old, his black shirt plastered to him with sweat, saved a set point and a series of gruelling rallies in the tie-break left him gasping for air.

Expert and Learner. pic.twitter.com/suR4QnqN1R

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 24, 2025

Djokovic also took a medical timeout at the end of the set for treatment to blisters on his foot but ultimately used his experience to set up a second-round clash with another American, Zachary Svajda.

“I started great,” said the seventh seed. “Just over 20 minutes, first set, I felt really good. Then some long games to start the second set, and then I started to feel really (bad) – I don’t know why. I really was surprised how bad I was feeling in the second physically.

“We had long exchanges, but also I dropped my level and made a lot of unforced errors and got him back into the match. I’m glad that I kind of reset myself after second set. And the third set was OK to finish up the match.

Back under Ashe lights. First time Sunday start for me