Article
Djokovic Battles Back Pain, Breaks Records in US Open Win Over Norrie to Reach Fourth Round
Summary
Novak Djokovic overcame a back injury to defeat Cameron Norrie at the US Open, reaching the fourth round and breaking Federer’s hardcourt win record.
Novak Djokovic put age and injury to one side to claim a hard-fought victory over Cameron Norrie in the third round of the 2025 US Open. Serbian great, aged 38 and seeking a record 25th Grand Slam, played on through a strain in his lower back that developed early in the match. With a bout of medical treatment and a brief stint off the court, Djokovic returned fired up to claim 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3.
Even Norrie's courageous battle, a break in the third and a virtuoso tiebreak display, was no match for Djokovic's experience and resolve. He served 18 aces and produced what he described as the best serving display of the tournament. He won his seventh consecutive match against Norrie and extended his record of appearing in the last 16 of a Grand Slam to 69 times, level with Roger Federer.
Along the way, Djokovic also surpassed Federer as the most hardcourt winners at Grand Slam tournaments, earning his 192nd hardcourt victory. His win also earned him the distinction of becoming the oldest man to advance to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows since Jimmy Connors in 1991. Djokovic now has his sights on the next round against Jan-Lennard Struff in his quest towards tennis immortality.