Did you catch the drama at the U.S. Open? Novak Djokovic certainly made us sweat in his second-round match, battling a resilient qualifier and his own rhythm to secure a hard-fought win. It wasn’t his cleanest performance, but a victory is a victory, right? What do you think about his incredible resilience?

Despite facing an unexpected challenge and an early setback, tennis titan Novak Djokovic demonstrated his renowned resilience to triumph in his second-round match at the 2025 U.S. Open.

The Serbian maestro, known for his clinical precision, found himself uncharacteristically out of sync during the initial stages of his encounter with qualifier Zachary Svajda in New York. Djokovic’s rhythm was noticeably absent, leading to a surprising loss in the opening set of this Grand Slam event.

With 14 unforced errors marring his performance, the 38-year-old succumbed to a determined Svajda in an hour-long first set, signaling a potential upset at Flushing Meadows. The crowd witnessed a rare display of vulnerability from the usually unflappable seven-time U.S. Open champion in this crucial tennis match.

Zachary Svajda, a relatively unknown qualifier, capitalized on Djokovic’s tentative start, playing high-quality tennis that pushed the legendary player. However, as the tennis match progressed into the second half, the American began to show signs of physical distress, reportedly struggling with cramps and requiring multiple trainer interventions.

Seizing the opportunity presented by Svajda’s escalating physical struggles, the seventh-seeded Novak Djokovic meticulously clawed his way back. He showcased his tactical genius by winning eight consecutive games, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead in the decisive fourth set, turning the tide irreversibly in his favor during this Grand Slam contest.

Djokovic ultimately closed out the tennis match with a final score of 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, securing his passage to the third round. This victory marked his 19th appearance in the U.S. Open’s third round, a significant achievement that now places him alongside tennis icon Roger Federer in the record books for this particular milestone.

Despite the win and the record, Novak Djokovic’s post-match comments revealed a candid assessment of his own play, reflecting his perfectionist nature. The Serbian star, who holds a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles, admitted, “Not that great to be honest,” acknowledging his dissatisfaction with his early performance while also crediting Svajda’s strong start and perseverance despite injury.

This hard-fought victory underscores Djokovic’s unparalleled ability to “survive” and adapt even on days when his peak form eludes him, a testament to the mental fortitude and strategic depth that define his illustrious career. His unbeaten record in the first two rounds at the New York Grand Slam tournament remains intact, further solidifying his legacy in tennis.