Novak Djokovic has powerfully advanced to the fourth round of the US Open 2025, signaling a formidable return to peak form. After a challenging start to the tournament, the Serbian legend “switched up gears” in his US Open 3rd round victory. This win reignites his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title. Fans and analysts alike are closely watching his trajectory. Djokovic’s journey at Flushing Meadows continues to be a central narrative, blending high-stakes competition with personal determination.
Djokovic Overcomes Early Hurdles in Thrilling Third Round
The tennis world held its breath as Novak Djokovic faced Briton Cameron Norrie in the third round. Djokovic secured a convincing win with scores of 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3. This match was a pivotal moment in his US Open 2025 campaign. He demonstrated significant improvement, shaking off the “under-par performances” observed in his initial matches. Dropping a set against Norrie did not deter the champion. Instead, it seemingly fueled his resolve to dominate the subsequent sets. This performance suggests a recovery in his physical and mental game.
Earlier, in the second round, Djokovic had overcome American qualifier Zachary Svajda. The score was 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. He admitted to feeling “not that great” and “a bit sluggish” during that encounter. He even dropped the first set to the 145th-ranked Svajda. Djokovic clarified his frustration was internal, stemming from not playing well. He stated he puts “extra pressure on myself and my team to be better the next day.” Despite the slow start, this victory extended his perfect record to 36-0 in first and second-round matches at the US Open. It also marked his 75th time reaching the third round at a major. This achievement broke a tie with Roger Federer for the most by a man.
Path Forward: A Familiar Foe Awaits
With his Novak Djokovic US Open 3rd round triumph behind him, Djokovic now prepares for the fourth round. He is slated to face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff. Struff, ranked 144th in the world, presents a statistical advantage for Djokovic. The Serbian holds a dominant 7-0 head-to-head record against Struff. This historical performance bodes well for his progression in the tournament. The match is anticipated to take place on Sunday. Djokovic’s objective remains clear: to “turn back the clock and seal his legacy.” He is determined to clinch another major title.
Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph was the 2023 US Open. He has experienced “deep runs at each of the grand slams this year.” However, he was stopped at the semifinals of the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. This makes his pursuit of a 25th major title at the US Open 2025 particularly significant. His storied history at this tournament includes victories in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023. He has also reached the finals multiple times.
Beyond Djokovic: Key Developments Across Flushing Meadows
While Djokovic’s journey takes center stage, the US Open 2025 has unfolded with numerous captivating matches and storylines. The tournament, which began on Sunday, August 24, has delivered unexpected upsets and dominant displays from other top contenders.
Men’s Singles: Alcaraz Shines, Americans Advance
Second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, showcased his formidable power. He swiftly dispatched Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3. This commanding victory took just over 90 minutes. Alcaraz, who won the US Open in 2022, is looking to minimize court time. This strategy helps preserve energy for the demanding later rounds. He next faces 32nd seed Luciano Darderi. A potential semifinal clash with Djokovic looms.
American men also enjoyed a successful run. Fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz, last year’s US Open runner-up, advanced. He defeated Lloyd Harris 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2, 6-4. Fritz has shown impressive form, improving his break point conversion rates. No. 17 seed Frances Tiafoe beat fellow American Martin Damm Jr. 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (8), 7-5. Ben Shelton also progressed, defeating Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. These American talents are making strong statements on home soil.
However, the men’s draw also saw a major upset. Norwegian 12th seed Casper Ruud, a 2022 US Open finalist, was eliminated. Belgium’s Raphael Collignon defeated him in a five-set thriller (6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5). This marked Collignon’s first-ever main draw win at a major. In other news, fifth-seeded Jack Draper withdrew due to a painful bone bruise in his upper arm. Former champion Daniil Medvedev received a hefty $42,500 fine for an on-court outburst during his first-round loss.
Women’s Singles: Champions Progress, Controversy Erupts
In the women’s draw, defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured her spot. She defeated Polina Kudermetova 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. Sabalenka recovered from a slow start to control the match. She will face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez next. American Jessica Pegula, last year’s US Open runner-up, also advanced easily. She defeated Anna Blinkova 6-1, 6-3. Pegula will now face two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka achieved her 100th career hard-court major win, a significant milestone. Britain’s Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, continued her strong run. She comfortably defeated Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1. Raducanu has dropped only six games through her first two rounds.
The tournament also witnessed a heated post-match exchange. American Taylor Townsend defeated Latvian Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1. Following the match, Townsend reported that Ostapenko accused her of having “no class” and “no education.” Ostapenko later denied racial undertones. She clarified her frustration stemmed from Townsend’s perceived “disrespectful” behavior regarding a net cord and warm-up routine. Townsend dismissed the claims, stating her racket would do the talking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Novak Djokovic’s US Open 3rd round match?
Novak Djokovic triumphed in his US Open 3rd round match against Briton Cameron Norrie. The final score was 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3. This four-set victory showcased a significant improvement in Djokovic’s form. He had experienced a “sluggish” start to the tournament in his earlier rounds. This win propels him into the fourth round, keeping his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title alive at the US Open 2025.
How has Novak Djokovic performed overall in the early stages of the US Open 2025?
Novak Djokovic has experienced a mixed but ultimately successful start to the US Open 2025. He admitted to feeling “sluggish” during his second-round match against Zachary Svajda, even dropping the first set before rallying to win in four. His Novak Djokovic US Open 3rd round performance against Cameron Norrie, while still involving a lost set, demonstrated a clear “switching up gears” and increased dominance. Despite initial challenges, he maintained his perfect 36-0 record in the first two rounds at the US Open.
Who will Novak Djokovic face in the US Open fourth round, and what are his prospects?
Novak Djokovic is set to face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the fourth round of the US Open 2025. Djokovic holds a dominant 7-0 head-to-head record against Struff, suggesting strong prospects for advancement. His recent US Open 3rd round victory showed improved form and renewed focus. Djokovic is aiming to “turn back the clock” and end a nearly two-year Grand Slam title drought. His deep history and success at the US Open make him a formidable contender for the championship.
The Road Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
Novak Djokovic’s journey through the US Open 2025 is shaping up to be a narrative of resilience and redemption. His Novak Djokovic US Open 3rd round win against Norrie confirmed his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. As he advances into the tournament’s second week, the stakes grow higher. His pursuit of a 25th major title is not just about personal glory. It is about cementing his unparalleled legacy in tennis history. The US Open 2025 promises more drama, thrilling contests, and potentially, another chapter written by one of tennis’s all-time greats.
