Novak Djokovic is through to his 19th third round at the US Open from as many trips to New York. The Serb toppled the American Zachary Svajda 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in two hours and 31 minutes.
The veteran did not play well in the opening set on a sunny Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, he recovered his game and ousted the rival who struggled with a thigh injury since the closing stages of the second set.
Zachary led 3-1 in the third set before dropping 11 of the final 12 games, with Djokovic collectinghis 75th third-round appearance at Majors. Novak played a violinwith his racket at the end, dedicating the triumph to his daughter Tara.
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Novak dominated with his first serve and denied two of three break points. The American failed to follow that pace, giving away 39% of the points in his games and suffering six breaks from 15 opportunities offered to the legend.
Both players hit more winners than unforced errors. The Serb landed 48 direct points and 25 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and moving over the top to remain on the title course.
Zachary denied two break points in the first game of the match and gained a boost. He challenged the four-time champion and wasted two break points in the sixth game.
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The set went into a tie break, and the younger player claimed it 7-5, building an early advantage in just over an hour. Novak raised his level in the second set and provided five comfortable holds.
He brought in the sixth game and missed two set points at 5-2. However, the 7th seed closed the set on his serve at 5-3 and leveled the overall score. Zachary received a medical timeout on his left thigh early in the third set.
He secured his only break in the fourth game and moved 3-1 in front. However, that was pretty much everything we saw from him today! Djokovic took charge and rattled off five games, including three breaks.
The veteran closed the set with a break in game nine and gained a massive boost ahead of the fourth. The 24-time Major winner served well and earned breaks in games two and six.
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Djokovic served for the win at 5-1 and landed a winner to seal the deal and book a place in the last 32.
