New Delhi: Novak Djokovic continued his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam at the US Open 2025 with a come-from-behind win against qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the second round on Wednesday. Djokovic lost the first set against Svajda after a close battle, but bounced back to win the next three sets in a row and secure his entry into the third round of the tournament.

Djokovic was tested in the opening set by American Svajda, who made life difficult for the 24-time Grand Slam champion. However, despite being far from his best on the day, the legendary Serb bounced back comfortably to maintain his perfect record in the second round at the US Open. Djokovic has now qualified for the 3rd round of the hard-court Grand Slam 19 times in his career so far.

After a gruelling first set, Svajda caused problems for Djokovic once again in the third set as he broke the Serbian ace to take a 3-1 lead. However, Djokovic, who struggled physically in the opening set of the game, didn’t let the American capitalise. The Serb won the next eight games to secure a 3-0 lead in the 4th set and eventually closed the last set 6-1 to secure a comfortable win in the end.

Djokovic admitted his start was not that good, but the 24-time Grand Slam winner also credited Svajda for testing his limits in the opening set.

“I was not really happy with my tennis in the first part of the match but also credit to Zach for playing some really high-quality tennis. It was unfortunate that he struggled with injury towards the end of the second, but kudos to him for staying on the court. He obviously could not serve as well as he did for the first set and a half but I wish him all the best,” Djokovic said after the match.

Djokovic equals Federer

With his victory against Svajda in the 2nd round at the US Open 2025 on Wednesday, Djokovic also equalled legendary Roger Federer’s all-time record of 191 hard-court wins at Grand Slams. Federer managed 191 wins in hard-court matches at majors during his career, including 89 at the US Open. Djokovic has now equalled his tally with 99 wins at the Australian Open and 92 wins at the US Open.

Djokovic also surpassed Federer in terms of reaching the third round of Grand Slams for the most times. Djokovic’s win on Wednesday earned him his entry into the third round of a major for a record 75th time, helping him better Federer’s tally of 74. He will take on the winner of the match between Cameron Norrie and Francisco Comesana in the 3rd round .