US Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Laslo Diri in five sets

Novak Djokovic roars in his US Open match against Laslo Jaer
Novak Djokovic is seeking his fourth US Open title

Novak Djokovic avoided a major shock when he came from two sets down to defeat fellow Serbian Laslo Dejeri and advance to the fourth round of the US Open.

Djokovic, 36, continued his quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-1 6-3 win in New York.

This is the eighth time in Djokovic’s career that he has fought after two sets to win.

On how a break after the second set helped his comeback, he said: “I did a pep talk in the mirror. It worked.”

He added, “I laughed at myself because I was so emotional and upset about the match. I had to force myself to lift my spirits.”

Three-time US Open champion Djokovic, who is seeking to equal the number of major victories achieved by Australian Margaret Court, will play Croatian qualifier Borna Jogo in the last 16.

Jogo, ranked 105 in the world, continued his brilliant career at Flushing Meadows by defeating Czech Jiri Vesely 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

How Djokovic got through ‘one of the toughest US Open matches’

Djokovic will be favorite to beat the 25-year-old Jojo when they meet on Sunday, but he showed he can still be vulnerable with a poor start against 32nd seed Jerry.

However, he also displayed all the tenacity and recovery power that made him the greatest player of all time.

Seeded second behind young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in New York, Djokovic was considered the joint favorite for the title even before half of the draw opened up further. After a number of upper seeds have been eliminated.

Jerry played some of the best tennis matches of his career this year, but few expected that he would threaten an upset against his compatriot.

He got off to a perfect start by breaking Djokovic’s serve in the first game of the match and continued to take advantage of his opponent off the pace.

Using his drop shot well, Jerry held his lead in the first set and broke once in the second making the implausible look even more likely.

However, there is still a long way to go for a player of Djokovic’s stature.

The match turned around when Djokovic broke at the start of the third set, withstood 26 shots on break point and gained the advantage when Jerry fired home.

Djokovic, who will return to the world number one after the US Open no matter what, prevailed in the fourth set and powered up in the fourth.

The set began with three consecutive breaks of serve before Djokovic put his opponent under intense pressure by returning balls that no other player could do, to settle the next four games against a tired Jerry.

And when Djokovic took a 3-0 lead in the decider, it looked like the match would end quickly.

But Jerry refused to be crushed. Djokovic had to save a break point at 5-3, then slotted back a match point after a tense exchange from the baseline, before seizing his second opportunity to seal the win at 01:32 local time.

After applauding Jerry outside the Arthur Ashe Court, Djokovic said: “It was one of the toughest matches I’ve played here in many years.

“A very big thanks to Laslo because he played some of the best tennis I’ve ever seen him play.”

The “gasping” home fans celebrate the victories of the American men

Ben Chilton celebrates the win
Ben Shelton makes his second appearance at the US Open

Elsewhere, American quartet Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Ball and Ben Shelton kept the country alive in hopes of winning their first men’s singles title on home soil since Andy Roddick in 2003.

The 10th seed, Tiafoe, advanced to the fourth round for the fourth year in a row, after overcoming a slow start to defeat Frenchman Adrien Mannarino 4-6 6-2 6-3 7-6 (8-6).

The 25-year-old American men’s number one Fritz needed just an hour and 30 minutes to beat Jakub Mencik 6-1 6-2 6-0 on the Czech teenager’s 18th birthday to set a career best.

Paul, who beat Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1, 6-0, 3-6, 6-3, will play compatriot Shelton in the last 16 after beating Russian Aslan Karatsev 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0.

Rising star Shilton hit 26 aces, including one at 147mph – the fastest in the tournament so far.

“This is the best tournament for the Americans,” said Paul, 26, who reached the last 16 for the first time.

“It’s clear that everyone around the stadium is excited and excited about the Americans.

“Every time I pass by one of the TVs here, I wonder: Will an American win a Grand Slam (singles) for the first time in 20 years?”

Frances Tiafoe celebrates victory
World number 10 Frances Tiafoe has only reached the fourth round twice in the other three Grand Slams

Last year, Tiafoe achieved his best Grand Slam result to date when he reached the semifinals, where he lost to Alcaraz in five sets.

The 25-year-old said he was motivated by Arthur Ashe, the 1968 hero for whom Flushing Meadows home stadium is named.

Ashe remains the only black man to have won the US Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon singles titles.

“I always watched this tournament as a kid and wanted to play here and on the big stages,” said Tiafoe.

“There’s a lot of history here. Arthur Ashe is obviously, what a legend. I just want my name to be in the same sentence as his. That’s why I play my best tennis here.”

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