Novak Djokovic survives a scare against Laslo Djere at the US Open as he is taken to a fifth set decider and triumphs in third round thriller – with the match ending at almost 2am!

Novak Djokovic came all the way from a two-set deficit to defeat Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in the third round of the US Open to avoid what was to be happened. his first departure there since 2006.

The game started under floodlights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday evening and was completed just over three and a half hours later and ended just after 1:30 am on Saturday.

It was Djokovic’s eighth career win after dropping the first two sets of a match. He also improved to 38-11 in five-setters during his career.

Djokovic has won three of his 23 men’s Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows and finished second six times, including in 2021.

Last year he did not participate in the US Open because, as a foreigner who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, he was unable to travel to the United States; that rule was lifted in May.

The second seed dropped the first two sets in New York before coming back under the lights

Djere was seeded 32nd and attempted to reach the fourth round at a major tournament for the first time.

Both men are from Serbia and have known each other for years. They have practiced together, competed on tour as doubles partners, and been Davis Cup teammates.

Djere had battled fiercely against his compatriot before being beaten at nearly 2am

Had Djokovic been knocked out, this would have been his first US Open knockout since 2006