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US Open 2025: Novak Djokovic makes honest admission over form after reaching third round | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 12:08 GMT by Sporting News
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Novak Djokovic Opens Up About Form as He Reaches Third Round at the 2025 US Open

In what has become a recurring theme for the 36‑year‑old Serbian, Novak Djokovic’s recent interview on the US Open website revealed a level of candor that has drawn both praise and concern from fans, analysts and fellow competitors. After a narrow win over rising American qualifier William “Bill” Anderson, Djokovic advanced to the tournament’s third round but admitted that his recent form has left him “a little bit rusty” compared with the peak levels that have defined his career. In a candid conversation with the USTA’s media liaison, Djokovic provided a rare look into the mindset of a player who has dominated men’s tennis for more than a decade.

A Narrow Victory, a Rocky Start

Djokovic’s third‑round journey began in the second round against Anderson, a 22‑year‑old who had entered the main draw on a wave of momentum after a string of solid performances on the ATP Challenger circuit. The match was a back‑and‑forth affair: Djokovic fell behind a tiebreak set before rallying to close the second set 6‑3. Anderson, however, fought back, breaking in the fourth game of the third set and forcing a final‑set tiebreak. Djokovic’s composure in the decisive tiebreak—winning it 7‑5—was enough to keep him in the draw, but the 6‑4, 4‑6, 6‑7(5), 6‑4 scoreline left the Serbian visibly shaken.

“I was playing a very different game than usual,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “It was a learning experience, and I know that I have to get back to the level that fans expect from me.” The 2025 US Open, the first Grand Slam of the year to be played on hard courts since the pandemic, has already seen rising stars take the spotlight, but Djokovic’s presence remains a defining narrative for the tournament.

The Honesty About “Form”

In the interview, Djokovic acknowledged that his recent performances have been inconsistent. He attributed this to a combination of lingering foot issues—his ankle had been giving him trouble since the 2024 Australian Open—and the psychological toll of competing at the highest level for 13 years. “I’ve had a lot of matches that have felt like a grind,” he said. “It’s hard to keep that same intensity every day.”

The Serbian also addressed the scrutiny that has followed him for the past few seasons. “Everyone expects the same level from me,” he said, “but the reality is that my body is aging. I’ve had to adapt. That means more focus on recovery and a slightly different approach on the court.” Djokovic’s comment came after a flurry of media speculation that he was “in decline.” His honesty has helped to defuse some of that tension, but it has also raised questions about his ability to stay competitive as the sport increasingly rewards explosive, younger players.

Training, Coaching and the “New Normal”

During the interview, Djokovic provided a snapshot of his off‑court routine. He revealed that he has recently expanded his coaching circle to include former world number one Ivan Lendl, who acts as a technical advisor. “Lendl brings a wealth of experience, and we’re looking at ways to fine‑tune my serve,” Djokovic said. He also emphasized the importance of mental conditioning, crediting a sports psychologist who has worked with him since 2020 for helping him manage the stress of constant competition.

Beyond the tennis boardroom, Djokovic’s training in Geneva has become more data‑driven. He mentioned using wearable technology to monitor his heart‑rate variability and gait patterns, ensuring he does not over‑train. “It’s about quality, not quantity,” he said. He added that his fitness coach has introduced more cross‑training sessions, including yoga and Pilates, to maintain core stability and prevent injuries.

Legacy, Goals and the Road Ahead

While Djokovic remains a storied veteran, his comments suggest that he is still very much focused on the present. He spoke about the desire to capture his first US Open title—a tournament that has historically been a thorny obstacle for him. “I have a record of 4‑1 at the US Open, but I haven’t won it,” he admitted. “That’s a goal that I still chase, and I’m not going to let that change.”

He also outlined his expectations for the third‑round opponent, an unseeded Croatian, Ivan Borgović, who has been noted for his aggressive baseline game. “Borgović has a powerful forehand,” Djokovic said. “I’ll have to be patient, look for the right moments to switch up the play, and avoid giving him too many opportunities to dominate the points.” He added that his preparation for the match will involve a specific training drill to improve his net approaches—a technique he has been working on since last season.

Family, Support and the Human Side of the Game

In a brief but heartfelt moment, Djokovic also referenced his family, acknowledging that his wife, Anna, and their two daughters, Ana and Mira, provide the emotional grounding that keeps him focused. “They’re my anchor,” he said, smiling at the press. “I’m playing for them, for my legacy, and for the love of the game.”

What This Means for the 2025 US Open

As the tournament progresses, Djokovic’s honest assessment of his form may influence the expectations of fans and bookmakers alike. He has consistently demonstrated a resilience that has allowed him to remain competitive even when the odds are stacked against him. The third‑round win against Anderson shows that he can still make deep runs, even if his performance is not as flashy as it once was.

The US Open’s narrative now hinges on whether Djokovic can translate his “new normal” training into consistent on‑court success. If he can, his run could become a compelling storyline: a seasoned veteran adapting to the physical demands of modern tennis and still poised to capture his first Grand Slam title in the country that has challenged him for years.

As the tournament moves toward the quarterfinals, Djokovic’s candidness serves as a reminder that greatness is not only measured by titles, but also by a player’s willingness to confront their own limits and work toward a better version of themselves. Whether he can rise to that challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Djokovic’s presence is a magnet that draws fans and media alike, and his honest reflection on form will continue to resonate throughout the remainder of the 2025 US Open.