Novak Djokovic Overcomes Back Injury To Advance At US Open/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At 38, Novak Djokovic shook off a back problem to defeat Cam Norrie and reach the US Open fourth round. The 24-time Grand Slam champion matched Roger Federer with his 69th Round-of-16 appearance at a major. Despite recurring injuries, Djokovic insists he can still compete with tennis’ younger stars.
Djokovic US Open Run Quick Looks
- Djokovic beat Cam Norrie 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3.
- At 38, he’s the oldest man in US Open 4th round since Jimmy Connors (1991).
- Needed medical timeouts for back issues during the first set.
- Served 18 aces, his best serving display of the tournament.
- Will face German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff next.
- Marked his 69th major Round-of-16, tying Roger Federer.
- Has faced injuries at all three Grand Slams this year.
- Djokovic acknowledges age-related toll but remains determined to contend.
Deep Look
Djokovic Shakes Off Back Pain to Extend Record Run at US Open
The 38-year-old Serbian fought through a nagging back injury to defeat Cam Norrie in four sets — 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3 — and advance to the fourth round of the US Open. The win makes him the oldest men’s player to reach this stage in New York since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
Djokovic’s performance wasn’t without drama. Midway through the first set, he winced in visible pain after stretching awkwardly for a volley. He immediately sought medical attention, leaving the court for treatment on his lower back. Still, he returned, held serve to close out the set, and gradually found his rhythm.
“The wear and tear on the body all these years is taking a toll,” Djokovic admitted. “But I’m resisting it. I’m still trying to compete with the young guys at the highest level.”
Tough Battles, Strong Serving
Djokovic credited his 18 aces as a key factor in Friday’s victory, calling it his best serving performance of the tournament so far. He has already battled through toe and back issues in earlier rounds.
In the second set, after receiving more sideline treatment and medication, he dropped momentum and lost in a tiebreak. But Norrie couldn’t sustain pressure as Djokovic stormed back in the third and fourth sets, showcasing the resilience that has defined his career.
Next up: a showdown with German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, who praised Djokovic’s longevity.
“It’s just fantastic how good he’s playing,” Struff said. “He shows us all that you can play very good tennis even at his age.”
Injuries Becoming a Recurring Theme
This is the third Grand Slam of 2025 where Djokovic has been visibly hindered by injuries:
- Australian Open (January): A torn hamstring forced him to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev.
- Wimbledon (July): A slip in the quarterfinals tweaked his groin, limiting him during a semifinal loss to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
- US Open (August): A back issue flared in his third-round victory over Norrie.
Djokovic acknowledged the frustrations of age, contrasting his career-long durability with the current unpredictability of his body.
“It’s frustrating that I can’t always feel 100 percent like I did for 20-plus years. Now, every match, something might happen. That’s the reality I have to accept.”
History on the Horizon
With the win, Djokovic ties Roger Federer for the most appearances in the fourth round of a Grand Slam (69). He’s also chasing an unprecedented 25th major title, which would push him further ahead of Rafael Nadal (22) and Federer (20).
Djokovic, often joking about his fitness, quipped:
“My team wants me to suffer on the court so I can get more minutes of match play.”
Despite the humor, it’s clear the challenge is becoming as much physical as mental. His quest for tennis immortality hinges on whether his body can hold up through the grueling two weeks in New York.
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