Novak Djokovic Explains How He’s Able to Challenge Youngsters After Knocking Out Learner Tien From US Open

Novak Djokovic committed 20 unforced errors amid fitness concerns during his opening-round match at the US Open.

Novak Djokovic Explains How He’s Able to Challenge Youngsters After Knocking Out Learner Tien From US Open

Novak Djokovic, Learner Tien (Image via X/Danny)

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Although Novak Djokovic has reached the twilight of his career, youngsters still are no match for him. At the age of 38, he is still a fearsome opponent, especially in Grand Slam tournaments.

His opponent, Learner Tien, during the first-round match of the US Open, held on Sunday (August 24), tried to force a comeback in the second set, but eventually, the 24-time Grand Slam champion prevailed, with a 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 scoreline.

It was Djokovic’s career’s first match against the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up. At this stage of his career, his biggest enemy is considered the fitness issues.

His win over the American ace came following 20 unforced errors- all in the second set, which took nearly one hour and 30 minutes to finish. Djokovic even took a medical timeout during that set. During his on-court interview, the Serb was asked by Christopher Eubanks what he finds he is doing better at the age of 38 as compared to when he was a newcomer on the ATP tour.

Well, to be honest with you, I mean, I wish I had Learner Tien’s age. But that’s not possible. Actually, he’s double less of my age. It’s incredible. But, I guess when you come to the late 30s, it’s really about learning how to preserve the energy for what matters. The body is not, you know, recovering as fast as it used to.

The match marks Djokovic’s 20th appearance at the US Open. He made his main-draw debut at Flushing Meadows in 2005, where his run ended in the third round. On his third appearance, he made the final and lost to Roger Federer. After losing another final, he finally grabbed the US Open title in 2011 by beating Rafael Nadal.

So, I’m trying to dedicate as much time as I possibly can and still kind to balance it with the mental freshness and motivation, and sharpness on the court, and that is necessary in order to compete with the young guys. You know I still have the flare, I still have the drive. I said at times I wish I was younger, but I have only to be grateful for an amazing career I had here in New York and worldwide.

Novak Djokovic added

It was at the US Open back in 2023 that he last lifted a Grand Slam title. Last year in New York, his run ended in the third round.

Novak Djokovic is chasing his second title of the season at the US Open

The US Open is the first tournament Novak Djokovic is playing since Wimbledon. At SW19, his campaign was ended by World No.1 Jannik Sinner, who knocked him out in the semifinals in straight sets.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/TNT Sports)

Djokovic, just like last year, then skipped both the two Masters 1000 tournaments on the North American hardcourt swing held before the US Open- the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters. During the qualifying week in New York, the revamped mixed doubles event was held, and Djokovic, along with compatriot Olga Danilovic, lost to the Russian pair of Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva in the first round.

So far this season, Djokovic has played the semifinals of the first three Grand Slam tournaments. At the Australian Open, an injury forced him to hand the walkover to Alexander Zverev, while at the French Open and Wimbledon, Sinner beat him in straight sets. Djokovic has played two finals this season- at the Miami Open, which he lost to Jakub Mensik, and at the Geneva Open, where he lifted his career’s 100th singles title by beating Hubert Hurkacz.

Djokovic is scheduled to lock horns with qualifier Zachary Svajda in the second round. Before setting up the clash with the four-time US Open champion, the American ace eliminated out fellow qualifier Zsombor Piros in the first round.

Also read: Emma Raducanu Embraces the Controversial US Open Mixed Doubles Format Amid Partnership With Carlos Alcaraz