MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: Djokovic earns 90th US Open win after Djere retires

Novak Djokovic worked hard to advance past his compatriot Laslo Djere, securing a 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 victory before the World No. 109 retired. Nole entered the match as the heavy favorite after a strong first-round performance, but Djere stepped onto the court fearlessly, challenging the World No. 2, especially in the second set.

A year ago, these two players faced each other in the same round on the same stage. Back then, Djere gave the 24-time Grand Slam champion a scare, taking a two-set lead before Djokovic mounted a comeback and secured a crucial victory en route to the title.

In this match, played indoors at Arthur Ashe Stadium due to rain, both players had plenty of break opportunities, particularly in the first set. Djokovic squandered four break points, while Djere (World No. 118) also failed to capitalize on three chances. However, Nole delivered when it mattered most, breaking Djere's serve while leading 5-4 to clinch the first set 6-4, despite Djokovic's struggle with his first serve, landing only 44% compared to Djere's 73%.

The second set started similarly, with both players engaging in closely contested games. The surprise came in the third game when Djere secured a break to go up 3-1, later extending his lead to 4-2. However, Djokovic avoided the danger he faced in 2023, shifting gears to win the next four games in a row, taking the second set 6-4.

Despite being two sets down, Djere was performing well against his compatriot. Unfortunately, physical issues prevented him from finishing the match. He retired due to abdominal problems after Djokovic broke serve in the third set, abruptly ending the match 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.

Djokovic advances to the third round of the tournament and achieves his 90th win at the US Open, breaking the tie with Roger Federer to become second in all-time wins at the tournament, trailing only Jimmy Connors, who holds 98 US Open victories. Nole also becomes the first player to secure at least 90 wins at each of the Grand Slams. In the third round, he will face the recent Canadian Open champion, Alexei Popyrin (28th seed).