Novak Djokovic moved into the third round of the US Open after a tough match against fellow Serb Laslo Djere ended prematurely due to an injury.
The defending champion was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere, struggling with an abdominal issue, was forced to retire.
Though the match lasted just over two sets, the intense heat and humidity in New York made it a physically demanding battle, keeping the players on court for more than two hours.
The first set was fiercely contested, with both players battling for an hour before Djokovic managed to secure it with a decisive break to love.
The second set saw Djokovic initially struggling with the oppressive conditions, leading to a medical timeout. Djere, sensing an opportunity, broke early and looked poised to even the match, leading 4-2 and holding two break points.
However, Djokovic dug deep, saving the break points and capitalizing on Djere’s visible discomfort to break back and eventually take the second set.
Djere, clearly in pain, tried to continue but after losing the first two games of the third set without winning a point, he approached the net and retired.
With this victory, Djokovic notched his 90th win at Flushing Meadows, making him the only male player to achieve 90 wins at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic will next face 28th seed Alexei Popyrin of Australia in the third round.
