Novak Djokovic battles through pain but advances at US Open 2025

Novak Djokovic opened his 2025 US Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over American teenager Learner Tien, but the manner of the win left fans and pundits with more questions than answers. The 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 scoreline looked good on paper, yet the Serbian star endured a night of physical discomfort and medical intervention before steadying himself to reach the second round.

The match began smoothly for Djokovic as he breezed through the first set, showcasing his trademark precision and depth from the baseline. However, the tide shifted in the second set when the player appeared to be hindered by multiple issues. A bloodied toe, hip tightness, and even a clumsy fall while chasing a wide serve all disrupted his rhythm. His movement slowed noticeably, and the normally unflappable champion was seen grimacing between points.

Midway through the set, Djokovic requested a medical timeout. The ATP physio re-taped his toe, while Djokovic took time to regroup mentally. Still, the set turned into a grind. Tien, playing with youthful energy and confidence, capitalized on Djokovic’s discomfort by extending rallies and pressing the tempo. The Serbian’s game faltered with an unusual number of unforced errors, and at one stage, the Ashe Stadium crowd sensed a potential upset brewing.

Yet in the crucial tiebreak, Djokovic summoned his trademark grit. Despite the pain and visible unease, he raised his level at just the right time, striking cleanly to snatch the second set. That moment seemed to shift the balance of the match. Having weathered the storm, Djokovic regained command, moving more freely and dictating exchanges in the third set. He raced through the final stretch to secure a place in the next round.

The victory also carried milestones, his 75th consecutive first-round win at a Grand Slam, an Open Era record, and his 80th career victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Still, Djokovic admitted afterward that he had been “surprised” by how poor he felt physically during the middle portion of the match. After a six-week layoff leading into the US Open, the rust and physical toll were clear.

With two days off before facing American Zachary Svajda in the second round, Djokovic now has time to recover. While his resilience remains unquestionable, the concerns over his body linger. For a player chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, the opening night at Flushing Meadows was less a statement of dominance and more a reminder of the physical battles that still lie ahead.