Djokovic Powers into US Open Quarter-Finals Despite Injury Concerns

Novak Djokovic reinforced his reputation as one of tennis’ most enduring champions by advancing to the US Open quarter-finals with a convincing straight-sets victory over German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff. The 38-year-old Serbian, eyeing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, eased through 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in under two hours despite requiring medical attention on multiple occasions.

The victory marks Djokovic’s 64th career appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final, a remarkable feat achieved in his 80th major. At 38 years and 94 days, he also becomes the oldest player in the Open Era to reach the quarter-finals of all four Slams in the same season, underlining his resilience and ability to adapt as time ticks on in his glittering career.

Djokovic, who missed the summer Masters tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati after a semi-final defeat at Wimbledon, has battled fatigue and back issues earlier in the tournament. Against Struff, he required treatment first for his neck and then his right forearm. Yet, the numbers painted a picture of control: 33 winners, 12 aces, no double faults, and a serving performance he himself described as “making life easier.”

“Serving well is key,” Djokovic said after the match. “I even out-served one of the tournament’s leading players in aces, which says a lot. That helps me avoid having to work unnecessarily harder from the baseline.”

Looking ahead, Djokovic faces American fourth seed Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals, a match he hopes to win not only for his record chase but also as a birthday gift for his daughter Tara. “She wasn’t too happy I’ll miss her party,” he admitted. “But I’ll try to win and make it a special present.”

Djokovic, a four-time US Open champion, knows the opportunities for nights under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights are becoming fewer. “I don’t know how many more I’ll have,” he said. “Each one is special.”

As the quest for history continues, Djokovic’s combination of experience, mental strength, and relentless baseline pressure keeps him firmly in contention—injuries or not.

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