Djokovic battles through as Alcaraz cruises and Ruud crashes out in US Open drama

Novak Djokovic admitted he is still “trying to solve the riddle” of his game after surviving another slow start at the US Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion fought back from a set down to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the second round at Flushing Meadows.

The 38-year-old Serb, bidding for a record 25th major title, looked frustrated and out of rhythm early on, a continuation of the fatigue he displayed in his opening match. Playing under the midday sun on Arthur Ashe Stadium — a rare slot for the three-time US Open champion who usually headlines the night session — Djokovic struggled as world No.145 Svajda played fearlessly.

Svajda, who went viral pre-match with a video celebrating the chance to face Djokovic, claimed the opening set before the veteran’s experience told. Djokovic reeled off 11 of the last 12 games as the American cramped up, securing his 75th career progression to a Grand Slam third round — surpassing Roger Federer’s record of 74.

He will next face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, whom he has already beaten at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season.

Meanwhile, second seed Carlos Alcaraz needed just 96 minutes to dismiss Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3. The Spaniard, who won his maiden Slam here in 2022 but suffered a shock early exit last year, even joked with the crowd afterwards: “Sorry to the fans, but I had to do my job.”

For the home contingent, Taylor Fritz, the top-ranked American and last year’s finalist, recovered from a set down to defeat Lloyd Harris, while Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe also progressed.

Casper Ruud’s early exit was the shock of the day. The 12th seed lost in five sets to Belgian world No.107 Raphael Collignon, extending a miserable Slam campaign in 2025 after second-round exits in Melbourne and Paris, and a Wimbledon absence through injury.

Elsewhere, teenage star Jakob Mensik fell in a dramatic five-set marathon against France’s Ugo Blanchet, while Arthur Rinderknech and Benjamin Bonzi made it a strong day for French tennis.

The men’s draw is already wide open, but as history has shown, Djokovic often finds his best when the tournament deepens. Whether this riddle ends with title No.25 is now the burning question in New York.

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