Novak Djokovic believes he still has something to prove every time he steps on court, even as he continues to smash records and cement his place among the sport’s greats. The Serbian champion overcame a sluggish start to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda in four sets on Wednesday, reaching the third round of the US Open for a record 19th time — and in doing so, surpassing Roger Federer for a landmark milestone.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Djokovic, 38, battled to a 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory, registering his 75th third-round appearance at a Grand Slam, more than any other player in history. “One can always think that there is nothing more to achieve or to prove because you’ve done it all, but it’s quite relative,” he reflected. “It’s quite individual the way you see it.”After a laboured opening set, Djokovic slowly found his rhythm, reeling off 11 of the last 12 games as Svajda, ranked 145 in the world, struggled with cramps.
“It’s really about trying to make the most out of that day and win a tennis match, find a way to win,” said the four-time US Open champion. “I’m not pleased with my level of tennis, but you have days like this… you just kind of find a way.”The win was also Djokovic’s 191st hard-court triumph at Grand Slams, equalling Federer’s long-standing record. But the Serb admitted he is still seeking top form after a post-Wimbledon break. “That’s what I’m hoping, the deeper I go into the tournament the better I feel about my game,” he said.“I still love the feeling of competition, the drive that I feel on the court. I get really hard on myself because I expect to play at the highest level, which is not always possible.”Djokovic, chasing an unprecedented 25th major, next faces Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the last 32 as he continues his pursuit of more history in New York.
