Djokovic’s Title Defense at the US Open Starts off Rough, With American Men Putting Hope into Ending the 22-Year Title Drought
Flushing Meadows, New York – 24 August 2025
Novak Djokovic‘s participation in the US Open last year did not go as planned, and his return this year certainly did not look like it would be any different. However, the 38-year-old Djokovic proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in any tournament. Facing American teenager Learner Tien in the first round, Djokovic won 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. While he won the match, it is evident that substantial portions of the match required Djokovic to draw upon his 24 major wins to control his mental and physical energy.
Djokovic Fights Through the Match’s Physical Challenges
In his post-match comments, Djokovic revealed that the physicality of the match stemmed from a lack of match practice as opposed to an injury. The newly placed number 7 in the world, and previously the semi-finalist in Wimbledon, has not played in the last few months, all because he has chosen to focus on the Grand Slam tournaments and reduce his overall schedule.
“The physical struggle was real,” said Djokovic. “I just struggled a lot to stay in long rallies and to recover in between points. It’s been six weeks since my last match. In pressing moments, I just made sure to execute one ball better than he did.”
As Djokovic battled in the match, it was obvious that his performance was dropping. The heat and humidity of New York were not only a fitness test, but also led him to seek medical attention for a blister on his toe after the set’s tiebreak. Regardless, Djokovic stressed that while the issues were persistent, they were only short-term and did not alter his overall preparation.
His approach was simple, avoid overexertion while exerting pressure at the right moments to force a breakthrough. The combination of his experience and that approach was more than enough to carry him smoothly through moments of pressure and vulnerability from the young, aggressive opponent.
His on-court comments included, “I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy. Hopefully I can keep it going,” revealing just how motivated he was after winning the match.
Achieving his 75th consecutive first-round Grand Slam win also marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became the first singles player to accomplish this feat in the Open Era.
Focused on Grand Slam Glory
As he nears the end of his career, Djokovic’s priorities seem to be shifting. Increased absence from the ATP Masters events in Cincinnati and Toronto due to their two-week formats being tedious and energy-draining reflects this.
His focus, in contrast, is on the Grand Slam tournaments to capture a record 25th title. Djokovic’s approach serves as a standout example of how a tennis player can balance their active career duration, peak performance, and tennis’s legendary milestones while striving for them.
American Men Eye Glory After Two Decades
As Djokovic deals with the challenges in the twilight of his career, the focus shifts in New York to the new generation of American men aiming to end a 22-year drought for men’s grand slam titles.
It’s been a long 20-year lull for U.S. men’s tennis ever since Andy Roddick claimed the U.S. Open title, becoming the last American men’s singles champion. While the landscape for 2025 is worrying, the early signs suggest it’s not all doom.
In the second round, Taylor Fritz, ranked fourth, and Ben Shelton, ranked sixth, cruised through. Fritz took down fellow American Emilio Nava with a score of 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 while Shelton bested grand slam newcomer Ignacio Buse 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Fritz, 27, contested the US Open final for the first time in 15 years as an American, while Shelton, 22, recently took the Canadian Open, marking his first ATP Masters 1000 victory.
“It is starting to feel like home for me. The US Open is the pinnacle of tennis for me and what I dreamed about as a kid,” Shelton stated.
Fritz also remarked on the state of American men’s tennis, noting, “We’re in a great place in American tennis. The women have been really carrying for a long time, but the men—we’re coming.”
The fact that two American men are seeded in the top eight for the first time since the 2007 US Open is a fantastic sign for US men’s tennis and adds to the anticipation for the event in Flushing Meadows.
Teenage Talent on Display
The opening day of the US Open also highlighted some of the young and up-and-coming stars. Jakub Mensik, the 16th seed, edged out Nicolas Jarry of Chile in a tough match 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-4. The 19-year-old Czech, who made headlines after winning his first ATP tour title by defeating Djokovic in Miami in March, has already made a splash in New York by reaching the third round twice. He looks to beat Ugo Blanchet next, who beat Fabien Marozsan of Hungary 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2.
Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the 18th seed, easily defeated Alexander Shevchenko, winning 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in 89 minutes.
Not all of the seeded players performed as well as Fokina. Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor was the only men’s seed to lose on the first day, falling to French veteran Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 6-4, 6-0. The loss of a seed so early in the competition serves as a reminder to fans of the unpredictable nature of the weather in New York and that the US Open is a battleground for both veteran and rising players.
Looking Forward
For now, the focus will be on how Djokovic balances his physical needs with his desire to extend his Grand Slam record. Djokovic’s measure of skill, experience, and survival instincts at 38 years old were clearly showcased in the first-round match.
The subplot is led by the American men’s contingent with Fritz and Shelton. Will either of the players be able to lift the men’s Grand Slam trophy and end the United States’ 20-year-long wait? Their journey will be monitored by not just the fans but also the entire tennis community keen to see the shift in the generational tide.
The US Open has not and will not run out of drama, stories, and athletic milestones with a blend of well-known names in tennis and the likes of Djokovic, Shelton, Mensik, Davidovich Fokina, and the youth. Fans and followers continue to enjoy live radio in text commentary on a global scale through BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.
Key Takeaways
- Djokovic survives first-round test: Amid physical strain, his victory over Tien reinforces the advantage of his experience and tactics.
- Historic streak: 75 Open Era record: Grand Slam first round contests won in a row.
- Fritz and Shelton aim to end the 22-year Grand Slam drought, while American men appear to be on the rise.
- The next gen: Mensik and Davidovich Fokina, demonstrating the emerging talent.
- US Open narrative: The interplay between experience and youth drives the tournament’s story.
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