After early scare, Novak Djokovic nears A-Game at US Open to defeat Cameron Norrie

ATP Tour

After early scare, Djokovic nears A-Game at US Open to defeat plucky Norrie

Serbian is a four-time US Open champion

Mike Stobe/Getty Images Novak Djokovic in action at the US Open on Friday. By ATP Staff

Novak Djokovic finally has his teeth into the 2025 US Open.

After two unremarkable wins that drew more attention for his conditioning than his form, Djokovic produced a sharp 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 victory over a competitive Cameron Norrie Friday night, albeit after more early-match drama surrounding his fitness.

Djokovic played a lights-out first set in which he dropped just two points on serve and hit 17 winners, but an off-court medical time-out after the ninth game had fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium concerned about his prospects.

The four-time US Open champion grabbed at his lower back late in the first set after an awkward movement at net to reflex back a ball that was above and behind his head. Before lining up to serve for the set at 5-4, the 38-year-old walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium to receive treatment in the locker room from ATP physio Clay Sniteman.

Djokovic was also treated at the first changeover of the second set but from that point looked largely free of discomfort for the remainder of the match.

In a high-quality contest, a bold Norrie hammered 44 winners, including 27 on the forehand wing. Djokovic hit 51 of his own, including 18 aces, a personal best at Flushing Meadows.

In the fourth round Djokovic will face German Jan-Lennard Struff, who upset 2024 semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe.

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