“Coming from two sets down always sends a strong message to the future opponents” – Djokovic
The Serb came back from two sets to love down on Friday night to beat countryman Laslo Djere at the US Open
Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open
If the players in the locker room had any iota of a doubt about Novak Djokovic‘s conditioning and mental toughness as he chases a 24th Grand Slam singles title, those were put to rest on Friday night. Playing under the lights at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Serb produced a remarkable comeback from two-sets-to-love down to beat compatriot Laslo Djere and advance to the fourth round of the US Open.
Not that the rest of the field needed any, but Djokovic’s win sent a clear message to the rest of the field as the Serb himself stated in his post-match press conference.
“I think the message is sent to the rest of the field that obviously I’m still able to play five sets deep at night. Coming from two sets down always sends a strong message to the future opponents,” the 36-year-old said. “At the same time, I’m not really wanting to be in this position, to be honest. I prefer a straight-set win. Hopefully I can get back on that track in the next match.”
“Reading his game slightly better in the third, fourth and fifth” – Djokovic
While many analysts may have given Djokovic the edge even when he was trailing by two sets, the Serb said that it wasn’t until he won the third set that he felt he was back in the match.
“I’m not sure I have a mental edge from two sets down. Maybe when I won the third, I felt like maybe I’m back in the match, I kind of got him, if I can say so,” the three-time US Open champion said. “But he was fighting. He stayed cool and composed. He didn’t show too many emotions in a way. He didn’t, I would say, lose it somehow. He just was very consistent. I feel like I raised my level and was reading his game slightly better in the third, fourth and fifth than I have in the first two sets. I think I served well when I needed to, especially in the fifth. It was only one break. He had a break point to come back to the match. It was a nerve-wracking last game. So relieved to get this one.”
Djokovic’s next assignment will be on Sundat against Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo in what will be the first meeting between the two.
