'Sleep, Recover & Recuperate This 36-Year-Old Body': Djokovic After Five-Set Comeback
ATP
Novak Djokovic needed the full five sets to see off countryman Laslo Djere at the 2023 US Open and stressed the importance of sleep and recovery in the aftermath of his comeback win.
For a moment it looked like Djere had not read the script as he took a two-sets-to-love lead against the three-time US Open champion Djokovic in their all-Serbian third-round match. The 32nd-seeded Djere grew in confidence and popularity during the match, but he could not quite get to the finish line as his countryman roared back.
That triggered a moment of self-reflection for Djokovic who admitted to needing 'a pep talk' before the start of the third set that rekindled what looked like an unlikely comeback. The match, which was played under the lights inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, lasted five sets as Djokovic fought back from the brink to win.
By the time Djere planted the final point to the tramlines, Djokovic's muted reaction told the full story. He had his back against the wall for two sets, and even with a 5-2 lead in the deciding set, he had to fend off a break back point in the final game.
Three hours and 45 minutes it took him to dispatch a tenacious countryman and Djere earned the full respect of the World No. 1 who barely celebrated. Djokovic admitted after the match, his next opponent is far away from his thoughts and the only thing running through his mind is sleep and recovery.
"I know I don't really care because what I care about right now is just to sleep, recover, and recuperate this 36-year-old body!"- A relieved Novak Djokovic after beating Laslo Djere in five sets
Djokovic will face a surprise name in the fourth round - Croatia's Borna Gojo. The World No. 105 is Djokovic's second-lowest ranked opponent in the Round of 16 match of a Grand Slam. Gojo dropped one set from qualifying and none in the main draw as he eyes an unlikely spot in the quarterfinals.
