Novak Djokovic, world number 7, faces American Zachary Svajda, ranked 145th in the ATP, in a thrilling second-round match at the US Open 2025, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Wednesday, August 27. The match, now past two hours, is in the fourth set with Djokovic leading 3-1, having turned the game around after losing the first set in a tight tiebreak. The clash, marked by intense rallies and service breaks, pits the experience of the Serbian, a four-time tournament champion, against the youth of Svajda, who aims to upset with the support of the home crowd. The hard court favors the aggressive style of both players, and the match remains ongoing, with the next game crucial for its outcome. Live coverage is available on ESPN, Star+, and Tennis Channel.
The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a capacity of about 23,000, creates a vibrant atmosphere, especially for Svajda, playing at home. The mild 25°C temperature and strong sunlight favor fast court conditions, benefiting Djokovic’s powerful serve and Svajda’s baseline consistency. The Serbian, chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, showed signs of physical strain in the first round against Learner Tien but appears to be finding his rhythm.
- Key moments of the match so far:
- Djokovic lost the first set in a close tiebreak (5-7).
- The Serbian dominated the second set with a decisive break (6-3).
- Svajda fought back in the third set, but Djokovic closed it 6-3.
- In the fourth set, Djokovic broke Svajda’s serve early, leading 3-1.
First set: a breathtaking tiebreak
The first set was a display of balance, with both players holding their initial serves. Svajda, with his defensive consistency, pressured Djokovic in long rallies, pushing the set to a tiebreak. The American shone with direct points on serve, while Djokovic made unforced errors at critical moments. In the tiebreak, Svajda won 7-5 after a double exchange of breaks, surprising the favorite and energizing the crowd. The set lasted about 50 minutes, with intense exchanges that tested both players’ patience. Djokovic, known for his resilience, stayed composed and adjusted his strategy for the second set.
The American, who came through qualifying, showed confidence in keeping pace with one of tennis’s biggest names. His ability to vary shots and explore court angles challenged Djokovic, who needed to elevate his focus.
- First set highlights:
- Tiebreak with five lead changes.
- Svajda converted 80% of first serves.
- Djokovic committed 12 unforced errors.
- Average rallies of 8 to 10 shots.
Second set: Djokovic finds his rhythm
After losing the first set, Djokovic returned more aggressive, aiming to control points with precise serves and net approaches. The Serbian broke Svajda’s serve in the fourth game, capitalizing on an error in the American’s return. With a 6-3 score, Djokovic tied the match, showcasing his trademark adaptability. The set was shorter, lasting about 35 minutes, with the Serbian reducing unforced errors to just six. Svajda, feeling the pressure of Djokovic’s favoritism, faltered in key moments, especially on his service games.
The crowd, while rooting for Svajda, began to acknowledge the Serbian’s mental strength, as he neutralized the young opponent’s attacks with experience. The hard court’s speed favored Djokovic’s baseline game, allowing him to dictate points with precision.
Third set: Serbian dominance
In the third set, Djokovic kept the momentum, breaking Svajda’s serve twice. The American tried to respond, earning one break, but couldn’t maintain consistency against the Serbian’s solid defense. With a 6-3 score, Djokovic took the lead for the first time, proving why he’s one of the tournament’s greatest champions. The set featured quick points, with Djokovic winning 70% of his first-serve points. Svajda, despite the loss, showed flashes of talent, especially with forehand winners that rallied the crowd.
Djokovic’s physical endurance, questioned after the first round, seemed stronger, though he remained cautious with his foot, which had blistered in the previous match. Svajda continued to bet on long rallies but struggled against the Serbian’s precision.
- Third set key moments:
- Two service breaks in Djokovic’s favor.
- Svajda won only 55% of second-serve points.
- Djokovic hit 10 winners compared to Svajda’s 6.
- Average of 6 shots per rally.
Fourth set: battle in progress
The fourth set began with Djokovic maintaining pressure, securing a service break in the second game. With the score at 3-1 and 15-0 in the current game, the Serbian appears poised to consolidate his lead. Svajda, however, remains resilient, aiming to recover with crowd support. The American tries to extend rallies to wear down Djokovic, who, at 38, must manage his energy to avoid surprises. The match remains open, with the next game pivotal in determining whether Djokovic seals the win or Svajda mounts a comeback.
The current game reflects the contrast between Djokovic’s experience, dominating key moments, and Svajda’s grit, relying on youth and consistency. The hard court’s speed continues to favor the Serbian’s aggressive style, but the American keeps surprising with precise shots.
- Timeline of key match moments:
- 00:45 – Svajda wins the first set tiebreak (7-5).
- 01:20 – Djokovic breaks Svajda’s serve in the second set (4-2).
- 01:55 – Djokovic closes the second set 6-3.
- 02:10 – Djokovic secures a second break in the third set (4-3).
- 02:30 – Djokovic wins the third set (6-3), turning the match.
- 02:45 – Djokovic breaks serve in the fourth set (2-0).
Djokovic’s US Open history
Djokovic, with four US Open titles (2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023), is one of the tournament’s biggest names. His 2025 campaign, with 27 wins and 9 losses, includes a title in Geneva, but he’s still chasing his first Major of the year. The Serbian, known for adapting to opponents and conditions, faces a unique challenge against Svajda, who plays without pressure and with crowd support. Djokovic’s experience on big stages, with 80 wins at Arthur Ashe Stadium, is a key advantage that the American tries to counter with energy.
Svajda, in his best season, has 33 wins in 2025, including challenger titles in Newport and Lexington. His flawless qualifying run and first-round win over Zsombor Piros highlight his potential.
What to expect from the rest of the match
The match remains a test of endurance for both. Djokovic, with his precision and competitive mindset, aims to close points quickly to conserve energy. Svajda, with his baseline game, seeks to extend rallies and force errors from the Serbian. The crowd, a significant factor, may boost the American’s confidence to attempt a comeback. The fourth set, with Djokovic leading, is critical in setting the match’s pace, which remains undecided.
The US Open 2025, the year’s final Grand Slam, features top names like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, also playing today. The $5 million champion’s prize and $2.5 million for the runner-up heighten the stakes. Djokovic, with odds of 1.064 against Svajda’s 8.8, remains the favorite, but the American has proven he can challenge giants.
- Factors that may influence the match:
- Djokovic’s physical stamina after first-round issues.
- Svajda’s ability to maintain serve consistency.
- Crowd impact on the American’s performance.
- Fast hard court conditions favoring Djokovic.