NEW YORK (USA): Novak Djokovic overcame an early scare to move into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday, extending a 2020 winning streak to 25 matches.
The Serbian superstar dropped the first set but rallied to comfortably defeat Britain’s Kyle Edmund 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I’m sorry that I woke your wife up,” Djokovic replied with a laugh. “I hope she’ll forgive me.”
Joking aside, Djokovic feels that he needs to play a certain way, whether Arthur Ashe Stadium is packed to the rafters or not.
“I had to bring some energy on the court,” he said. “I mean, this is how I play. I try to bring in the intensity in these very strange conditions and circumstances where you’re playing in front of the empty stadium.”
And when you make a great shot, why not scream and shout about it?
“It was a great point that I thought I hustled very well,” he said. “I just felt that I should kind of scream and roar. That’s what I did.”
Belgian seventh seed David Goffin also progressed as the top seeds continue to dominate at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Osaka cruises
After a three-setter in Round 1, two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka conserved some energy with a 6-1, 6-2 result over Camila Giorgi.
The 2018 champion dominated in this battle of big-hitters, repeatedly redirecting the Italian’s speedy groundstrokes for winners. Osaka next faces Marta Kostyuk, and 18-year-old from Ukraine making her main-draw debut in New York. (Source: US Open)
