
Djokovic's Defiant Quest: Battling Time and Opponents at US Open 2025
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About this listen
Novak Djokovic has been the center of attention at the 2025 US Open, not just for his tennis but for his resilience and unmistakable personality. In his latest outing, Djokovic overcame Cameron Norrie in four sets, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3, moving into the fourth round even as speculation swirled about his physical condition. A dramatic moment came when he grabbed his lower back late in the first set and left Arthur Ashe Stadium for medical treatment, causing a stir among fans and commentators. He admitted afterward to ESPN that he is now more concerned about his body than ever, saying that age brings new challenges and adjusting his approach to recovery and training is now essential. While insisting he is “as strong as ever” on court, Djokovic confessed that he puts in extra hours on recovery to keep up with younger players, sometimes forgoing practice entirely between matches to focus on recuperation. According to the ATP Tour, this is the first time in his career he is spending considerable time on recovery rather than hours of hitting balls, underscoring the biographical significance of this period as the 38-year-old adapts to the twilight of his historic run.
Tennis.com reported that despite a “mysterious case of exhaustion” and visible signs of rust in his first and second rounds, Djokovic found his groove against Norrie with a tournament-best serving performance, firing 18 aces and 51 winners. He credited the electric New York crowd for lifting his spirits and energy, even as fans worry about his longevity. Djokovic’s admission of concern, paired with moments of vintage brilliance, has shifted the narrative from dominance to defiance as he chases a record-extending 25th Grand Slam.
Off court, Djokovic has kept things light, charming social media and the public with his sense of humor. After his win over Norrie, he was caught in a courtside exchange with actor Ben Stiller, who joked self-deprecatingly about his own tennis skills, prompting Djokovic to burst out laughing—a clip that quickly made the rounds online. Earlier, he delighted fans by signing the bald head of an exuberant spectator after his opening match, another moment that went viral and highlighted his ability to connect with crowds beyond his ferocity on the court, as reported by the Free Press Journal.
There have been no major business dealings or sponsorship headlines in the past few days and no controversial or political stories regarding Djokovic. The spotlight remains fixed on his quest for another title and his ongoing adjustments to the realities of age and competition. As US Open coverage ramps up, the headlines all echo the same sentiment: Djokovic is still in the hunt, still box office, but facing his toughest opponent yet—time.
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