Novak Djokovic is not going anywhere just yet, and proved he can still grind out a result when it really matters in a testing match against Cameron Norrie. The former British No. 1 pushed Djokovic to his limits in a gruelling fourth-round clash at the US Open, but the Serb pushed through the pain barrier to reach another milestone. A last 16 meeting with Jan-Lennard Struff awaits.
If there were any doubts about Djokovic’s ability to move explosively at 38, he dispelled them in the seventh game. Norrie, serving at 3-3, 30-30, hit a ball short and came forward. He may not have thought that Djokovic would get to it in time to hit a topspin pass; if so, he was wrong. Djokovic burst forward the way he always has, and snapped a backhand pass to go up a break point. He closed the game with a deftly measured lob-smash combination. The speed was there, and so was the touch.
Novak Djokovic says he feels as “young as ever” after overcoming Cameron Norrie in a bruising four-setter at the US Open and equalling Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record.
Djokovic came out on top with a 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2 6-3 win to claim his place in the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the 69th time, replicating Federer’s feat.
At 38 years old, he also became the oldest man to reach the last 16 at Flushing Meadows since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly struggling with his back in the opening set and had an off-court time out, leading 5-4 in the opener.
When asked about it, in his on-court interview, the Serb replied: “Yeah, it’s all right. You have some ups and downs. You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals listening and watching this interview.
“I’m good, man. I’m as young as ever, as strong as ever. Yes. It’s New York. Even if you’re feeling something body-wise, the energy that you’re feeling in this court just overrides it.”
Djokovic returned after the medical timeout to serve out the first set and also received further treatment in the first changeover in the second, which Norrie secured after a tie-break.
Despite a shaky start to the third set after being broken in the early game, Djokovic responded superbly after immediately breaking back and taking the double break at 3-1.
The fourth and final set swayed Djokovic’s way after an early break in the second game, before wrapping it up 6-4 to take the match.
The overall quality from both players was supremely impressive, with Norrie registering 44 winners, while Djokovic had 51 and claimed 18 aces – a personal best in New York.
“Overall, it was probably the best serving performance of the tournament,” Djokovic explained.
“Of course, I’m glad for that. It’s probably one of the most, if not, the most important shot in the game. So, I’m glad how I executed that shot.”
Speaking about his general performance in more detail, the Serb believes this gives him further conviction of being able to challenge at the top of the sport.
However, he admitted that managing his body has become all the more important in the latter stages of his career.
“These kind of matches and performances always give me hope that I can go far, challenge the best players in the world.
“In terms of how I’m feeling, it really goes up and down, to be honest. It’s frustrating for me, honestly, that I’m not able to feel 100% always like I have for 20-plus years.
“But I guess the circumstances are quite different and I have to get used to the fact that every match there’s something that might happen, as it has been the case this year in pretty much every slam.”
