Novak Djokovic Reflects on Comeback Win, Says He’s Still ‘Trying to Solve the Riddle’

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US Open 2025: Novak Djokovic Battles Past Zachary Svajda as He Seeks 25th Grand Slam Title

Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York
Dates: August 24 – September 7, 2025
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app.

Novak Djokovic admitted he is still “trying to solve the riddle” of his game after staging a comeback win over American qualifier Zachary Svajda in the second round of the US Open 2025.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion started slowly under the blazing New York sun, dropping the opening set in a tiebreak. But the seventh seed rediscovered his rhythm to complete a 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 6-1 victory and secure a place in the third round.

Djokovic Still Searching for Top Form

Despite the win, the 38-year-old Serb confessed he was not fully satisfied with his performance.
“I’m not pleased with my level of tennis, but sometimes you have days when you’re not playing your best. You just have to find a way,” Djokovic said. “I’m still trying to solve the riddle once I step on the court.”

Djokovic admitted he was “frustrated” with aspects of his game, but emphasized that his determination remains high as he chases a record-breaking 25th major title.
“I enjoy competing, but I don’t enjoy not playing well. That’s why I put extra pressure on myself and my team to be better every single day,” he explained.

The Serb has already broken another milestone in New York, reaching the third round of a Grand Slam for the 75th time in his career, surpassing Roger Federer’s record of 74.

Next up for Djokovic is Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who he has already beaten at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year.

Svajda’s Brave Performance

World number 145 Svajda earned praise for his fearless performance. The 21-year-old American, who went viral earlier in the week for posting about his excitement in facing Djokovic, claimed the opening set with composed shot-making.

However, cramp set in during the latter stages, and Djokovic capitalized, winning 11 of the final 12 games to close out the match.

Carlos Alcaraz Cruises in Straight Sets

Elsewhere at Flushing Meadows, Carlos Alcaraz advanced comfortably with a 6-1 6-0 6-3 win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, who claimed his first Grand Slam title in New York in 2022, avoided a repeat of last year’s shock second-round exit. Alcaraz joked afterward:
“I’ve got to say sorry to the crowd, but I’ve got to do my job,” he smiled.

American Stars Shine in Men’s Draw

It was a strong day for American tennis. Taylor Fritz, the fourth seed and top-ranked U.S. player, recovered from a slow start to beat South Africa’s Lloyd Harris 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 6-4. He will face Swiss qualifier Jerome Kym, who upset 30th seed Brandon Nakashima.

Sixth seed Ben Shelton also progressed with a 6-4 6-2 6-4 win over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, while Frances Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semi-finalist, battled past fellow American Martin Damm in four sets: 6-4 7-5 6-7 (8-10) 7-5.

Major Upsets: Ruud, Mensik, and Davidovich Fokina Out

The day also brought surprises, with several seeded players eliminated.

Casper Ruud (12th seed) suffered a five-set defeat to Belgium’s Raphael Collignon, losing 6-4 3-6 3-6 6-4 7-5. The result caps a disappointing year for the Norwegian, who exited early at the Australian Open, French Open, and missed Wimbledon due to injury.

Jakob Mensik, the world’s highest-ranked teenager at 19, lost in a marathon five-set clash against France’s Ugo Blanchet.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (18th seed) was beaten by France’s Arthur Rinderknech, who will next face compatriot Benjamin Bonzi.

Meanwhile, Czech 21st seed Tomas Machac moved on after a straight-sets victory over Brazil’s rising star Joao Fonseca.

Looking Ahead

With Djokovic, Alcaraz, and a strong contingent of American players still in the draw, the US Open 2025 is shaping up to deliver another thrilling fortnight of tennis. Djokovic’s quest for his 25th Grand Slam title, Alcaraz’s bid to reclaim his New York crown, and the home favorites chasing glory will be the dominant storylines heading into the third round.

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