UPDATE: Novak Djokovic kicked off his US Open campaign with a 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory over unranked American teenager Learner Tien at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 27, 2025. The win comes after a nearly six-week break from competitive singles matches, leaving Djokovic visibly rusty at times.
Despite advancing without major drama, Djokovic struggled with his performance, committing a staggering 34 unforced errors and four double-faults. “I really was surprised how bad I was feeling in the second set physically,” he admitted during his post-match interview. The seventh-seeded player battled through the challenge, particularly in the second set, which lasted over an hour, compared to just 24 minutes for the first.
Djokovic faced pressure as Tien’s strong groundstrokes kept him on the defensive, forcing him to fend off four break points. Ultimately, Djokovic prevailed in the tiebreak, demonstrating resilience despite his lackluster form. “It was key for me to hold my nerves in the second set and clinch it in a tie-break,” he reflected.
After wrapping up the match, Djokovic emphasized the importance of his physical condition moving forward. “There are positives but also things that hopefully won’t happen in terms of how I feel on the court,” he stated, hinting at the challenges he might face against stronger opponents as the tournament progresses.
As the 24-time major champion prepares to compete in the US Open, he acknowledged that his focus for the remainder of his career is on the four major tournaments, which continue to motivate him at the age of 38. Djokovic last won a major at the US Open in 2023 and is eager to reclaim the title.
Looking ahead, Djokovic’s next matchup will be crucial as he seeks to regain form and momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can shake off the rust and navigate through the later rounds of the tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates as the US Open progresses, and see if Djokovic can overcome his initial hurdles to secure another Grand Slam title.
