Novak Djokovic Advances After Djere Retires Injured at U.S. Open

Defending champion Novak Djokovic moved to the third round of the U.S. Open as Laslo Djere retired injured while trailing. Djere initially showed promise by leading in the second set but faced an injury midway. Djokovic will face Australian Alexei Popyrin next.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday after fellow Serb Laslo Djere retired injured while trailing 6-4 6-4 2-0.

Djokovic needed five sets to beat Djere in the third round a year ago and it looked as though Arthur Ashe Stadium would see another epic clash between the two as Djere went up a break in the second set. But the unseeded Serb appeared to pick up an injury midway through the set, allowing Djokovic to secure a third-round meeting with Australian Alexei Popyrin.

Djokovic broke Djere to love in the 10th game of a tightly fought first set, benefiting from a series of unforced errors by his opponent. Djere looked to have the momentum as he broke the second seed in the third game of the second set but things fell apart when he winced after a serve in the eighth game, leading to an opportunity for Djokovic to convert on a break point.

Djere took a medical timeout after the ninth game, lying on the court as a physio massaged his abdomen and lower back, before Djokovic broke him again in the 10th game. Djere then retired minutes into the third set.

(With inputs from agencies.)