Djokovic had to battle through five sets to overcome Djere in the third round last year. It seemed Arthur Ashe Stadium was set for another intense showdown when Djere secured an early break in the second set.However, an injury hampered Djere’s efforts, paving the way for Djokovic to advance to the third round, where he will face Australian Alexei Popyrin.
Four-time US Open winner Djokovic appeared rusty in his opening round and struggled with the sweltering conditions at Flushing Meadows. He wrapped himself in ice towels during changeovers to combat the heat.
“It’s not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants,” Djokovic said. “It should have been his second set, honestly.”
The first set was tightly contested, with Djokovic breaking Djere to love in the 10th game, capitalizing on a series of unforced errors by his opponent. In the second set, Djokovic faced more resistance. He had to fend off two break points in the opening game and showed visible frustration when he failed to convert a break point in the next game.
Djere seemed to take command as he broke Djokovic in the third game of the second set and followed up with an ace to hold serve. However, the situation deteriorated for Djere in the eighth game. He winced after a serve, giving Djokovic a break point which he converted.
Djere, who underwent elbow surgery in April, appeared to struggle with mobility. He took a medical timeout after the ninth game, lying on the court as a physio attended to his abdomen and lower back.
Djokovic broke Djere again in the 10th game. Although Djere tried to continue, he decided to retire just seven minutes into the third set.
Djere took a medical timeout after the ninth game.
Djokovic’s determined effort has set him on a path to yet another Grand Slam victory, provided he can maintain his form and adapt to the challenging conditions at Flushing Meadows.
“He obviously had an injury that took him out of the tour for some time and he’s struggling to come back physically to his level,” said Djokovic.
