Novak Djokovic's quest for a record-equaling 25th Grand Slam title remained on track Friday evening as he fought past Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3 to the U.S. Open fourth round, overcoming a temporary struggle with a back complaint.
Competing under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 38-year-old again showed his trademark tenacity, becoming the oldest men's singles player to reach the last 16 at Flushing Meadows since Jimmy Connors did it way back in 1991.
Already the all-time leader in Grand Slams major titles (24) and wins (395), Djokovic established another record by surpassing Roger Federer for most hardcourt wins in Grand Slams, claiming his 192nd. The four-time U.S. Open champion also extended his perfect record against Norrie to 7-0.
"I guess coming into the match, any match, you really want to win in straight sets without any drama and just ease through, but that's not possible," said Djokovic.
"My team wants me to suffer on the court so I can get some more minutes spent in match play. It's good that I get tested. I hadn't played any matches since Wimbledon and it's been for us quite a long time, five to six weeks.
"I'm still trying to find my groove and my rhythm on court," he added.
Djokovic started dominating midway through the first set, breaking Norrie at 4-3 with a scorching forehand winner and holding the break with his ninth ace of the match.
"I think it was probably the best serving performance of the tournament," Djokovic said.
"So of course I'm glad. It's probably one of the most, if not the most important shot in the game. Yeah, I'm glad how I executed that shot."
The Serbian did suffer some distress late in the set, going off court for treatment before wrapping it up 6-4. He needed to receive more attention early in the second, with the speed on his serve falling significantly, and Norrie took advantage to win the tiebreak.
The Brit briefly sustained that momentum in the third, breaking early, but Djokovic stormed back with three consecutive games and even silenced a jeering spectator to reassert dominance. From there, he coasted through the rest of the match, clinching victory in four sets and arranging a last-16 showdown with Jan-Lennard Struff.
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