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Three-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic had to work hard in the third round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Novak met his compatriot Laslo Djere and scored a 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 triumph in three hours and 45 minutes for a place in the last 16.
Djokovic came from two sets to love down for the seventh time in a career, taking charge from set number three and never looking back. Thus, Novak will compete in the US Open fourth round for the 15th time in a row! Djokovic fired 12 aces and outplayed his opponent behind the first and second serve.
Laslo seized three out of 11 break chances and experienced seven breaks from 14 opportunities offered to Novak, building the advantage before losing ground in the second part of the duel. The younger Serb went for his shots, firing 42 winners and 58 unforced errors.
Djokovic landed 34 winners and 36 mistakes, taming his strokes more efficiently and finding his way toward the top. Laslo grabbed a break in the encounter's first game after Novak's backhand error.
Novak Djokovic survived Laslo Djere in the US Open third round.
Djere saved a couple of break points in game two to confirm the break and settle into a fine rhythm.
The lower-ranked player denied another break point in the fourth game with a winner at the net and forged a 3-1 advantage. Novak faced issues on serve in games five and seven, erasing two break points and remaining within one break deficit.
Laslo served for the opener in game ten and landed a backhand crosscourt winner to wrap it up 6-4 in 54 minutes. With a boost on his side, Djere played his career-best tennis in the second set, dropping three points behind the initial shot and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Novak lost serve at 15 in the seventh game following Laslo's valiant backhand attack, finding himself behind and with a lot of work to be done. Djere held at love in game ten with a service winner, building two sets to love advantage after an hour and 33 minutes.
Novak left the court and returned as a different player, like many times before. Djokovic grabbed breaks in games two and four, forging a massive advantage. World no. 2 came from 40-0 down in the seventh game and held with a service winner to introduce the fourth set after two hours and ten minutes.
Djokovic cracked the rival's serve completely in the fourth set, delivering four straight breaks and taking it 6-1, becoming the favorite ahead of the decider. Novak barely lost a point behind the initial shot in the opening four service games and broke Laslo at 15 in game two after the rival's loose forehand.
Both players performed well in the upcoming service games, and Djokovic served for the triumph at 5-3. He netted a backhand and offered Djere a break chance. Novak defended and welcomed Laslo's costly double fault before seizing the second match point to complete his comeback and remain on the title course.