Novak Djokovic quietly continued his road to a 24th Grand Slam title on Wednesday by outclassing the Spaniard Bernabe Zapata (76th) 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 in two hours sharp in the second round of the US Open.
“The first set was complicated because it was hot and very humid. Then the shadow covered the court and it got a little better. But it’s the same for both players,” commented Djokovic.
“I didn’t start the match very well, but in the second and third sets, I raised my level by two or three notches”, he congratulated himself, considering however to be able to “play better than that” .
The 36-year-old Serb, world No.2 but already assured of becoming No.1 again at the end of the tournament whatever the results, will be opposed on Friday to his compatriot Laslo Djere (38th) for a place in the round of 16.
Djokovic, absent last year for refusing the covid vaccine, is hoping to win a fourth title at Flushing Meadows to equal the all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles held by Margaret Court.
