Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round of the 2025 US Open after defeating the American Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (3) and 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes. Although the scoreboard was authoritative, the world number one acknowledged that his debut in New York left doubts about his physical condition.

"I started very well, but then I was surprised by how bad I felt physically," he admitted at a press conference, making it clear that the second set took its toll on him in an unexpected way.

In the first set, Djokovic barely dropped any points and clearly dominated his young 19-year-old opponent, who was trying to adapt to the magnitude of the stage. However, the second set changed the dynamic. Tien opted for long rallies, and this strategy highlighted the Serb's physical difficulties. "I don't know exactly why it happened, but I was having a hard time recovering between points," he explained.

The wear and tear allowed the American to gain confidence. Although Djokovic ended up winning the tie-break, the signs of fatigue on the court set off alarm bells. He even needed medical attention to treat a blister on his right foot, something that caused concern among the crowd at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The player himself downplayed the situation: "It was more of an annoyance than anything else. I also took advantage of the opportunity to reset myself mentally, and that helped me play a much stronger third set." In the third set, Djokovic responded with experience. Despite an early break from Tien, the Serbian rattled off five consecutive games and closed out the match with authority. “I think the key for me was staying calm in the second set and being able to close it out in the tie-break. From there I started to feel a little better and finished the match well,” he said after the match.

Looking ahead

Djokovic, 38, a winner of 24 Grand Slam tournaments including four in New York has not competed since his elimination at Wimbledon against Jannik Sinner on July 11.The Serbian has made it clear that at this stage of his career, his schedule is focused solely on major tournaments. “I'm not chasing points or rankings anymore. I play where I truly find motivation and joy, and the Grand Slams are at the top of that list,” he noted. His next challenge will be American Zachary Svajda, world number 145, whom he will face after two days of rest. Djokovic is confident that this time will allow him to regain energy and fine-tune details. “That's the good thing now, having time to recover and adjust my body. I hope to arrive better prepared for the second round,” he stated optimistically.