Novak Djokovic came all the way back from a two-set deficit to beat Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in the third round of the US Open to avoid what would have been his earliest exit there since 2006.
The match began under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night and did not wrap up until more than three and a half hours later, concluding just after 1.30am on Saturday.
It was Djokovic’s eighth career victory after dropping the opening two sets of a match. He also improved to 38-11 in five-setters over his career.
Djokovic has won three of his men’s-record 23-time Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows and been the runner-up a half-dozen times, including in 2021.
He did not compete in the US Open last year because he couldn’t travel to the United States as a foreigner who is not vaccinated against COVID-19; that rule was lifted this May.
Novak Djokovic survived at US Open scare after beating Laslo Djere in a five-set thriller
The second seed dropped the first two sets in New York before rallying back under the lights
Djere was seeded 32nd and trying to make it to the fourth round at a major tournament for the first time.
Both men are from Serbia and have known each other for years. They have practiced together, competed as doubles partners on tour and been Davis Cup teammates.
Djere had competed fiercely against his compatriot before being defeated at almost 2am
Had Djokovic been eliminated, it would have been his earliest US Open knockout since 2006
ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue82erqxnnJbArbuMnaGeqpViw7R506Ggmp%2BfYsCmxcGoq6Flp565pXnArqqtqpmWu267z56lZmpgZ4BuvNGeraKdp2Q%3D