Djokovic Overcomes Back Pain and Advances in US Open: Legend to the Rescue!

Novak Djokovic, the renowned tennis player, persists in his quest to conquer his 25th Grand Slam title, despite the physical challenges he faces. Djokovic, demonstrating his tenacity, overcame a back problem at the start of the match to defeat Cam Norrie on Friday night. At 38 years old, he became the oldest player to reach the fourth round of the US Open since Jimmy Connors achieved the same at the same age in 1991. Djokovic secured the victory with scores of 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2 and 6-3, powered by 18 aces, in what he described as his best serving performance in the tournament. It is worth noting that during the tournament, he required treatment for a blister on his big toe in the first round and for back problems in the third.

The physical wear and tear over the years is taking its toll, and I am aware of it, but I resist. I am trying to give my best to continue competing with the young people at the highest level.

Novak Djokovic

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was close to matching his earliest exit at Flushing Meadows when he needed medical attention near the end of the first set. However, he recovered to reach the round of 16 of a major tournament for the 69th time, equaling Roger Federer in this achievement. His next opponent will be the German Jan-Lennard Struff.

It’s fantastic how well he’s playing. He shows us all that you can play tennis for a long time and very, very good tennis at his age.

Jan-Lennard Struff

Djokovic showed signs of discomfort during a point in the first set, indicating problems in his back. He requested medical assistance and received treatment in the locker room. Despite this, he returned to the court and won the first set.

In the second set, Djokovic received a back massage and medication. Although he lost that set and the first game of the third, he managed to regain control of the match. This is the third time in a Grand Slam tournament this season that Djokovic has been affected by injuries. At the Australian Open in January, he suffered a hamstring injury and was unable to continue in his semifinal against Alexander Zverev. In Wimbledon in July, Djokovic suffered a fall in his quarter-final match, which caused him discomfort in his groin muscle. Although he continued in the tournament, he was affected in his semi-final defeat against Jannik Sinner.

It’s frustrating for me, honestly, not to be able to feel 100% always as I have for over 20 years. But yes, I guess the circumstances are quite different and I have to get used to the fact that something can happen in every match, as has been the case this year in almost every Grand Slam tournament.

Novak Djokovic

The US Open was Djokovic’s first tournament since then, and he has had some problems in his first three matches. Djokovic joked that his team wanted him to suffer on the court so he could play more minutes.