Novak Djokovic shrugged off a lower back problem to end Cameron Norrie’s US Open campaign, beating the British No.2 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-3 to reach the fourth round in New York.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has now defeated Norrie in all seven of their meetings, took a medical timeout during the opening set after appearing to hurt his back.
Despite looking in discomfort at times, the 38-year-old Serbian rediscovered his rhythm to produce what he called his “best serving performance of the tournament.”
“You don’t want to reveal too much to rivals watching this,” Djokovic said of his fitness. “I’m good, as young as ever, as strong as ever. It’s New York — even if you’re feeling something, the energy just overrides it.”
Norrie, making his Arthur Ashe Stadium debut, pushed hard and snatched the second set after Djokovic double-faulted in the tie-break.
He even broke serve at the start of the third, hinting at a possible upset, but was unable to consolidate as Djokovic reeled off four games in a row and tightened his grip on the contest.
The Brit, who was chasing a first career win over a top-10 opponent at a Slam, expressed frustration with Djokovic’s time between return points. “I don’t think it was a tactic, but I would have liked the umpire to be a bit more assertive. It changed nothing for the match,” he said.
Djokovic now faces German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff, who ousted American 17th seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7).
With Struff, Adrian Mannarino, and Djokovic all through, this is the first time since the 1982 US Open that three men aged 35 or older have reached the last 16.
Meanwhile, Frenchman Mannarino advanced after sixth seed Ben Shelton retired injured with the match tied at two sets apiece, Mannarino will meet 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, with a potential quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz looming.
World No.2 Alcaraz continued his dominant form, thrashing Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 despite briefly calling for the trainer with a knee issue. “I just felt something not working good, but after a few points it was gone,” he explained. “I’m feeling good — it was just precaution.”
The Spaniard, yet to drop a set this tournament, next faces unseeded compatriot Arthur Rinderknech, who ended Benjamin Bonzi’s run.
With Djokovic surviving a scare and Alcaraz cruising, the US Open’s second week promises another chapter in the sport’s generational clash.