US Open: Djokovic's Experience Shines Through Against Tien

Novak Djokovic advances to US Open Second Round

Novak Djokovic battles past Learner Tien in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2, at the US Open despite struggling with blisters on his right foot.

Novak Djokovic kicked off his US Open campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over American teenager Learner Tien. The 38-year-old Serbian tennis star won 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2, showcasing his trademark brilliance on the court. Despite struggling with a blister on his right foot, Djokovic took a medical timeout and quickly regained his composure to seal the win...

Djokovic dominated the first set, wrapping it up in just 24 minutes with a 6-1 score. The second set was more intense, with Tien pushing Djokovic to a tiebreaker. However, the Serbian legend held his nerve, winning the tiebreaker 7-3 after eight mini-breaks in ten points. In the third set, Djokovic broke Tien's serve twice to secure a 5-1 lead and eventually closed out the match.

“Great to be back in New York,” Djokovic said during a brief on-court interview.

“Quite a strange match to be honest. The first set was 20 minutes, the second set was an hour and 20 minutes. It was a key to me to hold my nerve in the second set. All in all there are positives to take.

“I wish I had Learner Tien's age - when you come to the late 30s it's about learning how to preserve the energy for what matters.

“I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy. Hopefully I can keep it going.”

Novak Djokovic hasn't played a match since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner last month. He opted out of ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati, choosing to focus on the US Open instead. This strategic decision seems to be paying off, as Djokovic showcased his signature brilliance on the court, despite some signs of rustiness.

Djokovic's performance against Learner Tien was a mix of old and new, with flashes of brilliance alongside moments of adjustment. Having not played in over a month, Djokovic's rustiness was understandable, but his talent and experience ultimately shone through. This win sets the stage for his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown.

Proficient against Learner 😤 pic.twitter.com/rbae1AR61h

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2025

Novak Djokovic got off to a blistering start, dominating the first set 6-1 with a series of precise winners that left Learner Tien struggling to keep up. The Serbian's aggressive play and pinpoint accuracy made it difficult for his opponent to mount a challenge.

The second set, however, told a different story. Djokovic's performance became labored, allowing Tien to sense an opportunity. With the score at 5-4 in favor of Tien, Djokovic faced a break point. However, he held his nerve, saving the break point and leveling the set at 5-5. Djokovic then took control in the tiebreaker, showcasing his mastery with clever net play and clever variation, ultimately winning the set 7-3.

Djokovic's ability to bounce back from a potentially set-costing break point and secure the tiebreaker demonstrated his experience and mental toughness. This resilience set the tone for the rest of the match, as he went on to win the third set 6-2.

Novak Djokovic's Medical Timeout and Third-Set Surge

Novak Djokovic took a medical timeout to treat blisters on his right foot before the third set, which seemed to revitalize him. He sprinted into a 5-1 lead, leaving Learner Tien struggling to keep up. This significant shift in momentum showcased Djokovic's ability to adapt and refocus during critical moments of the match.

Tien's Brief Respite

Tien managed to save a match point on Djokovic's serve and broke through to make it 5-2, offering a glimmer of hope. However, this respite was short-lived, as Djokovic broke back immediately, asserting his dominance and wrapping up the victory. The final score was 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2 in favor of Djokovic.

Next Challenge

With this win, Djokovic advances to the second round, where he'll face American qualifier Zachary Svajda. This victory marks the 75th time Djokovic has won consecutive rounds in a Grand Slam tournament, a record in the Open Era. Djokovic's journey to a potential 25th Grand Slam title continues, and he'll look to build on this momentum against Svajda.