"I'm going to have to really grind": Novak Djokovic admits missing 'rhythm' and 'tempo' despite cementing US Open third-round berth

Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic has stated that he is still finding his ‘rhythm and tempo’ despite starting with a win in the US Open. The fourth and the final Grand Slam of the year began on Monday where players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Djokovic is one of the most high-profile players currently taking part in the mega-event. The 37-year-old, who is already regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis, booked his spot in the third round of the mega-event after being awarded a walkover in the match against fellow Serbian Laslo Djere. The score at the time when the match was finally stopped was 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.

Talking after the match, Djokovic, who has now cemented his spot in the third round of the mega-event, highlighted how he is still in the process of finding his ‘rhythm’. The former world number also stated that he did not serve well in the second-round tie as well which forced him to ‘grind’ throughout the contest.

"I haven't been serving well in the first two matches here so I'm still trying to find that rhythm and tempo,” he said. "If you don't have a good percentage of first serves in you have to work for your points, particularly against a player like Djere. I knew coming into the match that if I don't serve well, which was the case, then I'm going to have to really grind and work for my points a lot. And that's what I guess caused the two sets to be played over two hours."

Djokovic is now set to face off against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the next round of the mega-event on Thursday. The 25-year-old booked his place in the third round after beating Spain’s Pedro Martinez in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-0. It will be the fourth meeting between the two in professional tennis. In the previous three meetings, Djokovic came out on top in each occasion.