Novak Djokovic reached another milestone in his illustrious tennis career on Wednesday night at the US Open, winning his 90th match at the tournament. The achievement came during his second-round face-off against fellow Serbian Laslo Djere, who was forced to retire due to injury.
Djokovic was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere called it quits, handing the four-time US Open champion yet another victory.
This win places Djokovic in an elite group of tennis legends. With 90 career wins at the US Open, he joins the ranks of Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, and Serena Williams—icons who have each won at least 90 matches at Flushing Meadows.
But Novak has something they don’t: he’s now the only tennis player, male or female, to have won 90 matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam Record
Djokovic’s consistency across all major tournaments is unparalleled. Here’s a look at his win-loss record at each Grand Slam event:
- Australian Open: 94-9 (10 titles)
- Roland Garros: 96-16 (3 titles)
- Wimbledon: 97-12 (7 titles)
- US Open: 90-13 (4 titles)
This level of success showcases his adaptability and skill across different surfaces and conditions, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
A Tough Match for Djere
Djere, who had pushed Djokovic to five sets in their last meeting at the US Open, looked poised to challenge the world No. 2 once again.
After losing a closely contested first set, Djere went up a break in the second and even had double break points to go up 5-2. However, an abdominal injury began to visibly affect his movement and performance.
Despite the setback, Djokovic capitalized on the situation, winning six consecutive games to take control of the match. Djere eventually retired early in the third set, unable to continue.
“You never want to see a match end this way,” he said after the match. “Laslo is a great player and it’s unfortunate he had to retire. I’m happy with the win, but it’s not the way anyone wants to advance.”
Next Up: Alexei Popyrin
Djokovic’s journey at this year’s US Open continues as he prepares to face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the third round. Popyrin, the No. 28 seed, has been in excellent form, recently winning the Montreal Masters.
Djokovic leads their head-to-head record 3-0, but their two meetings this year—at the Australian Open and Wimbledon—have both gone to four sets, signaling a potential challenge ahead.
“Popyrin is a player on the rise,” Djokovic commented. “He’s serving well, making fewer errors, and playing with confidence. I’ll need to bring my best to come out on top.”
Djokovic’s Quest for a Record 25th Grand Slam Title
As Djokovic continues his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, every match counts. With his extensive experience and unmatched record at major tournaments, he remains the player to beat.
His ability to win in various conditions and under immense pressure makes him a formidable opponent for anyone standing in his way.
The road ahead in the US Open is still long, with many talented players vying for the title. However, if Novak continues to play at this level, his chances of adding another Grand Slam trophy to his collection look promising.
Djokovic’s success at the US Open is a testament to his dedication, skill, and resilience. Whether he wins in straight sets or has to battle through adversity, one thing is clear: Novak Djokovic is a champion through and through.
As the tournament progresses, fans around the world will be watching closely to see if he can achieve yet another historic milestone in his legendary career.
