MEN'S UPDATE, DAY 4: 'Frustrated' Djokovic makes US Open third round for 19th time

Novak Djokovic believes he still has something to prove every time he steps on court as he reached the US Open third round for a record-equalling 19th time on Wednesday.

Order of Play

The 38-year-old Djokovic battled past American qualifier Zachary Svajda in four sets to stay in the hunt for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title.

"One can always think that there is nothing more to achieve or to prove because you've done it all, but it's quite relative," said Djokovic. "It's quite individual the way you see it."

Djokovic dropped the first set in a laboured performance but recovered to win 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 as Svajda struggled with cramps.

"It's really about trying to make the most out of that day and win a tennis match, find a way to win," said Djokovic.

"So that's what I've done today. I mean, I'm not pleased with my level of tennis, but you have days like this where you're not playing at your best, but you just kind of find a way.

"I still love the feeling of competition, the drive that I feel on the court. I get really hard on myself a lot of the times because I expect myself to play always at the highest level, which is obviously not always possible."

The musician is back 🎻 @DjokerNole celebrated his R2 win and dedicated it to his daughter Tara 🙌@usopen | #USOpen

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— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 27, 2025

The Serbian star is optimistic he will gradually find his rhythm as he continues to shake off the rust accrued following his post-Wimbledon hiatus.

"That's what I'm hoping, the deeper I go into the tournament the better I feel about my game," he said.

"Obviously a bit different for me the last couple of years body-wise. I get the wear and tear quicker than I used to do."

SLOW START

Djokovic, a four-time champion in New York, made a sluggish start against his 145th-ranked opponent who had won just two main-draw matches at majors.

The 22-year-old Svajda snatched a tight first set in a tie-break when he smacked a bruising backhand down the line that Djokovic could not return.

Seventh seed Djokovic broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set on the way to levelling up the match in bright sunshine on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court.

Djokovic dropped serve early in the third set but then rattled off five consecutive games to grab the set after falling 3-1 behind.

With Svajda wilting and receiving regular treatment at changeovers, Djokovic pulled away to victory by winning 11 of the final 12 games to register a record-tying 191st hard-court match win at Grand Slams.

He also surpassed the mark he shared with Roger Federer by making the third round of a major for the 75th time, but Djokovic admitted he finds it tough not being at his best.

"I enjoy competing, but I don't enjoy not playing well," said Djokovic, who goes on to face Britain's Cam Norrie in the last 32.

"It's not a motivation thing. It's just like me a bit frustrated with my game and then I kind of go through stuff internally.

"I'm just trying to be locked in, you know. Just trying to solve the riddle once I'm on the court.

"Today was a little bit of a struggle to find that rhythm. That's why maybe you haven't seen me be so pumped after winning points and stuff."

ALCARAZ BANISHES US OPEN DEMONS TO REACH THIRD ROUND

Carlos Alcaraz put the "bad thoughts" of last year's early US Open exit behind him as he charged into the third round with a straight-sets win over Mattia Bellucci.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz powered past world number 65 Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 to set up a meeting with another Italian, 32nd seed Luciano Darderi.

Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open winner, suffered a shock second-round loss at last year's tournament and revealed that was on his mind as he walked out for the night session on Arthur Ashe.

"If I'm honest, I thought about last year when I stepped on the court," said Alcaraz.

"Some bad thoughts. I was nervous about it, like thinking, okay, I don't want to do the same thing as I did last year, losing in the second round.

"I just thought about it a little bit, but, you know, I'm just really happy that I got through and have another chance in the third round."

Any prospect of a repeat letdown was quickly dismissed by the Spanish second seed who won the first five games against Bellucci.

The overmatched left-hander offered little resistance in the opening two sets against a player who now leads the ATP with 56 wins and six titles this season.

Alcaraz wrapped up his latest victory in an hour and 36 minutes to stay on a collision course with reigning champion and world No 1 Jannik Sinner.

"I played great to be honest from the beginning until the last ball," said Alcaraz.

"I know his (Bellucci's) level. Today wasn't his day and I tried to make the most of his mistakes."

"In general I'm just really happy with the performance," he added. "The less time I spend on court the better for me."

Alcaraz and Sinner have combined to sweep the last seven majors and met in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals this year.

The Spaniard has reached the final at his last seven tour events and cites his painful 2024 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in New York as a watershed moment in his career.

"I think it was really helpful for me. Back at that time it was the worst thing I have ever done," said Alcaraz.

"But yeah, looking back, I wanted just to improve from the experience.

"I think when I lost in the second round last year, (it) was one of those moments when I learned a lot how to deal with some situations, how should I have done things much better.

"I think I've just done it this year much, much better.

"So it was a great experience that I learned a lot from."