US Open 2024: Djokovic Advances to Third Round as Djere Retires; Gauff Powers Through
New York, August 29, 2024 — Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title after his fellow Serbian, Laslo Djere, was forced to retire during their second-round match at the US Open. The match, played under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Djokovic leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere signaled he could no longer continue due to injury.
The encounter was shaping up to be another grueling battle between the two, with Djere breaking early in the second set and leading 4-2. However, a physical setback in his lower abdomen halted his momentum, allowing Djokovic to regain control. Despite Djere’s resilience, the injury proved too much, and after 2 hours and 16 minutes of play, he conceded the match.
“It’s not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover,” Djokovic remarked post-match. “But he had an injury that took him out of the tour for some time, and he is struggling to come back physically to this level.”
Djokovic was critical of his own performance, particularly his serve, which he described as “awful.” Nevertheless, the 37-year-old remains on track to defend his US Open title, aiming to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to do so. Next, he will face 28th seed Alexei Popyrin of Australia, who advanced with a straight-sets win over Spain’s Pedro Martínez.
In the earlier match, Coco Gauff, the defending champion, continued her campaign with a 6-4, 6-0 victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria. Gauff, who struggled with her serve and faced multiple break points in the first set, adjusted her game in the second, overpowering Maria with a flurry of winners.
“She’s very annoying to play,” Gauff said of her opponent. “The challenge will be just finding the balance between being aggressive and not letting her dictate.”
Gauff now faces 27th seed Elina Svitolina in the third round, where she will look to maintain her recent strong form, having won 22 of her last 25 Grand Slam matches.
Elsewhere, Taylor Fritz and Victoria Azarenka also secured their spots in the third round with straight-sets victories.
As the US Open continues, all eyes will be on Djokovic and Gauff as they seek to further their respective title defenses.
