Novak Djokovic Admits Frustration in his Game After a Difficult Second Round Encounter at the US Open

Novak Djokovic will face Cameron Norrie in the third round of the US Open and holds a 6-0 lead in their head-to-head record.

Novak Djokovic Admits Frustration in his Game After a Difficult Second Round Encounter at the US Open

Novak Djokovic (via X/Djokovic fan)

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Novak Djokovic has revealed his frustration with his game as he was far from his best in his second-round match against American qualifier Zachary Svadja at the 2025 US Open. The Serbian legend fought hard to maintain his perfect second-round record at the New York Grand Slam tournament and reach the third round for the 19th time.

The US Open was Djokovic’s first tournament since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals. He got to a fine start against Learner Tien in the first round after defeating the American in straight sets. But he struggled with his footwork and balance throughout the match and even fell on the court once.

In the second round, he was still unable to find his best rhythm as he committed 14 unforced errors in the first set against Svadja. He rallied back into the match in the second set by increasing the intensity of his game, but in the third set, he found himself behind 1-3 after some errors on the court.

Fortunately for Djokovic, Svadja began to deal with cramps and he was able to win all the remaining five games in the set. In the fourth set, the American qualifier’s physical conditions worsened as he gave Djokovic several free points, and that was enough for the former World No.1 to win the clash 6(5)-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in two hours and thirty-five minutes.

During Djokovic’s post-match press conference, he was asked why he was struggling on the court at the US Open. He revealed his struggles had nothing to do with motivation but it was the frustration with his game. He added that he will put extra pressure on himself and his team to do better in the next match:

It’s not a question of motivation; it’s as if I’m a bit frustrated with my game, besides going through some moments where I say certain things internally that you’re better off not knowing the details. I try to be closed off, to solve the puzzle once I step onto the court, but that doesn’t mean I’m not finding joy in competing. I enjoy competing, but I don’t like not playing well, that’s why I put extra pressure on myself and my team to be better the next day, in the next match.

Djokovic is seeking his 25th career Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows. The World No.7 has been absent from many tournaments this season as he prioritizes Grand Slams above other events. He didn’t compete in any of the Masters 1000 leading up to the US Open and will hope that it doesn’t affect him in New York.

Novak Djokovic reveals new mindset to winning at the US Open

Novak Djokovic currently holds a 28-9 win-loss record on tour this season. He has reached the semi-finals of all three Grand Slams this season, retiring at the Australian Open, losing to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. If he fails to reach the final in any Grand Slam this season, it will be the first time it has happened since 2017.

Novak Djokovic US Open 2025
Novak Djokovic (image via ATP)

He added during the aforementioned press conference that he always has something to prove any time he steps on the court. The 38-year-old revealed that his mindset is now centered on winning matches at all costs:

There is always something to prove once you step out onto the court, which is you’re still able to win a tennis match… In a short-term type of mindset and perspective, it’s really about trying to make the most out of that day and win a tennis match, find a way to win.

Djokovic will face Cameron Norrie in the third round. Norrie overcame Francisco Comesana in four sets to reach this stage of the tournament. But the British star has never beaten Djokovic and currently holds a 0-6 head-to-head record against the Serbian legend. The last time they met was at the French Open round of 16, where Djokovic beat him in straight sets.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Looks Back on ‘The’ Match that Revolutionized his Rivalry With Carlos Alcaraz