Djokovic fights through back trouble to reach the US Open fourth round as Norrie notes a touch of overconfidence
Britain’s Cameron Norrie admitted that a touch of overconfidence may have cost him a shot at upsetting Novak Djokovic, who battled back from a back issue to advance to the fourth round at the US Open. The 38-year-old Serb prevailed in a 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-3 victory that stretched to nearly three hours, leaving Norrie with a 0-7 head-to-head record against Djokovic.
Norrie briefly grabbed the initiative in the third set after breaking at the start, but Djokovic steadied, again showing why he remains a threat at the season’s final major. “I started great in the third set but maybe a little overconfident after breaking,” Norrie said after the match. “He settled into the match, competed well and was just too good in the end.”
Djokovic, who is chasing a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title, battled a lower back discomfort in the opening frame and required a medical timeout off court. He also faced an early test in the second set, receiving additional treatment as he sought to keep his run intact. The four-time US Open finalist, who has not played since Wimbledon’s semifinal, insisted post-match that while straight-sets wins are ideal, this result was a fair reflection of the moment.
The win keeps Djokovic’s impressive season on track. He has already demonstrated his enduring excellence on the biggest stages this year, including a milestone week in which he celebrated his 100th tour-level title at the Geneva Open and then advanced to Roland Garros with a record-tying 101st win there. Those feats underscore Djokovic’s exceptional longevity as he navigates a sport increasingly influenced by younger challengers.
Djokovic’s path at the Open continues to feed debates about the aging great’s capacity to blend resilience with peak performance. Analysts note that his experience, tactical variety, and mental toughness remain pivotal as he pursues another major title amid a changing landscape led by rising stars.
Norrie, for his part, can take positives from a match that forced Djokovic to dig deep and extended his own streak of strong Grand Slam showings this season. The British number one now shifts focus to future rounds, hoping to capitalize on any dip in Djokovic’s rhythm while continuing his own climb up the rankings.
Summary: Djokovic’s focus on health and endurance, paired with a willingness to push through discomfort, keeps his bid for a 25th major alive at the US Open. Norrie’s early momentum shows the importance of seizing opportunities, even as Djokovic’s experience and resilience prove decisive once again.
Editor’s note: As Djokovic approaches the later stages of a landmark season, his ability to manage a long, physically demanding campaign while maintaining elite levels remains a central storyline for fans and rivals alike.
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