‘More concerned than ever’: Novak Djokovic opens up on injury struggles at US Open 2025

Novak Djokovic outlcassed Cameron Norrie in third round at US Open 2025 despite injury scares.

Despite injury concerns, Novak Djokovic has made the fourth-round of the ongoing US Open 2025, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion isn’t satisfied.

After reaching the fourth round, he admitted he’s ‘more concerned than I have ever been,’ frustrated that he isn’t in his classic form—the one that makes victories look effortless.

In the third round against Cameron Norrie, the Serbian legend clinched the first set 6-4 but lost the second in a tiebreak 6(4)-7(7).

Apparently, Djokovic struggled with a back injury late in the first set. It was visible when he grabbed his lower back. He was even forced to leave the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium briefly to receive treatment and returned with a tennis ankle brace.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s injury concerns overshadow his first-round win at US Open 2025

However, after the physio checked on him in the locker room, Djokovic returned to dominate the remaining sets 6-2, 6-3, marking his 192nd Grand Slam win on hard courts. Now, despite the victory, he remained candid about his concerns.

Another electric night on Ashe. Bright lights, loud music, rap royalty in the crowd. Few tough moments but NYC your energy got me through 🙌. Time to Lean Back 😆 then forward to R4. pic.twitter.com/hbypF7o3M2

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 30, 2025

With the win over Norrie, Djokovic extended his perfect record against the Brit to 7–0. Speaking about his physical condition afterward, he kept things lighthearted.

“It’s all right. You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals watching this,” he said with a smile. “I’m good, as young as ever, as strong as ever. It’s New York— even if you’re feeling something in the body, the energy just overrides it,” he said on just after the match on court.

'As young and strong as ever' says @DjokerNole 💪 pic.twitter.com/2qE2CGNCdB

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2025

Why the physical struggles on court?

But his ongoing physical struggles on court are not something that can be brushed aside. “Well, honestly, I am concerned,” Djokovic said later in one of the post-match interviews as quoted by ATP.

“Even though I really am meticulous with the care for my body and I put in a lot of hours on and off the court to make sure that my body is fit and recovered well,”

What might be the problem with the former World No.1 is not that surprising, given his age. He acknowledges the age factor too, especially when competing against the young stars of today.

“But you know, age is… you can’t fight it. Things are different now. I have to adjust the way I approach training,” he said.

Later in the interview, the Serb said, “the young guys come in fresh, and I come in with a half tank empty sometimes. But one thing is for sure: I’ll give my very best, every last drop of energy, to go as deep as I possibly can.”

Also Read: How many matches has Novak Djokovic won at each Grand Slam?

Novak Djokovic is set to play his fourth round match against German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff. But before he noted that sometimes he skips practice between matches, as long-term recovery is more important than hitting a few balls.

“That might be the case tomorrow. We’ll discuss it and focus on recovery to get ready for the next match,” he said.

😧🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic says he’s ’more concerned than ever’ about his health, after suffering back pain during latest US Open match:“Well, honestly I am concerned. “You know, nowadays [I am] more concerned than I have ever been.“Even though I really am meticulous with the care… pic.twitter.com/iqfFtpZMg1

— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 30, 2025

This is the first time the 38-year-old returned to action since Wimbledon 2025 heartbreak in semi-finals. In pursuit of claiming the record extending 25th Grand Slam in New York, he won his opening match against American teen Learner Tien in straight sets.

He then needed four sets to defeat Zachary Svajda in the second round, again showing he is not yet at peak physical form.

When asked about his recovery routine, Novak Djokovic explained that he now spends even more time on recovery than when he was younger.

“To keep up with the youngsters, I have to put in extra hours every day—table work, recovery machines, good sleep, nutrition—everything matters when going deeper in a tournament,” he said.

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