At 38 years and three months, Novak Djokovic continues to defy the limits of age and competition. The Serb is through to the last 16 at the US Open two decades after debuting in New York.
Djokovic bested three rivals and wrote history books, becoming the oldest player to reach this stage at the last Major event of the season since Jimmy Connors in 1991!
The American entered the home Major with a wild card and achieved a stunning result, reaching the semi-final. On his 39th birthday, Jimmy ousted Aaron Krickstein in that memorable fourth-round five-setter.
Thirty-four years later, Novak is carrying that same torch of longevity, proving once again that greatness knows no age. The Serb reached the semi-final at the previous three Major events, targeting the same in New York.
Djokovic showed grit and resilience in his opening three encounters at this year's US Open, overcoming two physical setbacks and remaining on the title course. The 38-year-old kicked off the action against Learnen Tien.
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The favorite made a reliable start before losing steam in set number two, struggling to keep his body running but prevailing in the tie break after fending off a set point. Novak recovered and sealed the deal in the third set.
The veteran faced Zachary Svajda in the second round and dropped the opening set. Djokovic raised his level and ousted much younger opponent in the next three sets for a place in the third round.
The four-time US Open champion experienced another setback versus Cameron Norrie. Djokovic injured his back in the ninth game of the first set and required a medical timeout.
Luckily, he felt fine soon and remained competitive. Novak lost the second set but shifted into a higher gear in the third and fourth, moving over the top and writing record books.
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The Serb will battle against Jan-Lennard Struff for a place in another Major quarter-final at 38. For Djokovic, this achievement is another reminder of how he continues to stop the clock on the sport's most notable stage.
Connors once symbolized the never-say-die spirit of tennis. Now, Novak embodies that philosophy in this new era. The Serb has constantly been rewriting what it means to compete, endure and excel at the highest level on the verge of 40s.
For a champion of Djokovic's caliber, age is no barrier but motivation.
