Novak Djokovic Advances as Djere Retires Injured in U.S. Open Clash

Defending U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic moved forward in his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title after Laslo Djere retired due to injury. Djere had shown promise but succumbed to physical struggles, allowing Djokovic to secure a third-round match against Australian Alexei Popyrin.

Defending U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic kept his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title on track on Wednesday after fellow Serb Laslo Djere retired injured while trailing 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 in their second-round match. Djokovic had needed five sets to get past Djere in the third round a year ago, and it looked as though Arthur Ashe Stadium would see another epic clash as Djere went up a break in the second set.

But the unseeded Serb appeared to pick up an injury midway through the set, enabling Djokovic to book a third-round meeting with Australian Alexei Popyrin. "It's not what we want. It's not what the crowd wants," Djokovic commented. "It should have been his second set, honestly."

Four-time winner Djokovic, who had looked rusty in his opening round match, appeared to struggle in the sweltering conditions that tested competitors all day at Flushing Meadows, wrapping himself in ice towels during changeovers. 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.

The second set saw Djokovic working harder to hold serve in the opening game, fending off two break points before shouting in frustration as he missed a break point opportunity. Djere looked to have the momentum as he broke Djokovic in the third game of the second set and held serve with a powerful ace.

However, the evening unraveled for Djere when he winced after a serve in the eighth game. Djokovic converted a break point and Djere, who was recovering from April elbow surgery, struggled with mobility and took a medical timeout. He eventually retired seven minutes into the third set. "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," Djokovic said.

(With inputs from agencies.)