Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of history began with a test of endurance on Sunday night at the U.S. Open. The 38-year-old Serbian, a 24-time major champion aiming for a record 25th this fortnight, opened his campaign with a 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 victory over 19-year-old American wildcard Learner Tien in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
On paper, the straight-sets scoreline looks routine. In reality, it was trickier. Djokovic, facing a blossoming giant-killer half his age, raced through the opening set but soon found himself locked in a grueling second. Visibly struggling, the man who has long prided himself on supreme fitness admitted he was surprised by how poorly he felt.
Afterwards, he admitted that the fatigue he felt is weighing on his mind.
“Well, I started great,” Djokovic said. “Then some long games in the second set, I started to feel really… I was really surprised how bad I was feeling in the second physically. Good thing is that I have two days off. It’s slightly a concern. I don’t have an injury or anything. I just struggled to stay in long exchanges and recover after points.”
Still, when the pressure mounted, the Grand Slam king responded. Djokovic steadied his nerves in the tiebreak, reasserted control in the third, and closed out the night after two hours and 17 minutes of play.
“It was key for me to hold my nerves in the second set and clinch it in a tie-break,” he explained. “After that I started feeling better. I can always do better, but it’s a great way to start this year’s campaign.”
Despite the physical struggles, Djokovic left Arthur Ashe Stadium in good spirits. His experience, resolve, and ability to navigate adversity were on full display, even if his body betrayed him at times. The quest for 25 continues, and the champion—battle-tested already—remains very much in the fight.
