Defending champion Novak Djokovic secured his 90th victory at the US Open on Wednesday after his compatriot Laslo Djere retired during their second-round match. Djokovic was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when Djere decided to withdraw.
The world number 109 had previously challenged Djokovic in a five-set match at the same tournament last year but required a medical time-out to address an injury shortly before the second set ended. Djokovic, who is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and has won the US Open four times, had also received treatment for a side strain after winning the first set.
By achieving his 90th win, Djokovic becomes the first player in history to secure 90 victories at all four Grand Slam events.
Djokovic commented on the match, expressing concern over Djere’s injury. “It’s not what we want to see when there’s a retirement. Laslo had an injury which took him off the tour for some time, and he’s been struggling to come back,” he shared. He acknowledged Djere’s talent, highlighting that he was in a good position to take the second set.
Next, Djokovic will face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, whom he has defeated in earlier matches at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. Popyrin has been on a winning streak, claiming victory at the prestigious Montreal Masters just before the US Open.
Djokovic praised Popyrin’s improvements, noting, “He’s getting closer and closer and knocking on the door. We always knew he had the big serve, but now he is more consistent, making fewer errors than he used to. He’s pumped and playing some good tennis.”