Novak Djokovic made major history after defeating compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round of the US Open.
The defending champion has opened his campaign without any trouble, gliding into the third round still yet to drop a set, with Laslo Djere retiring early in the third.
That said, Novak Djokovic is not looking in the glittering golden form he brought to Paris.
Struggling with his serve, the Serb has hit 18 double faults so far in the five and a bit sets he’s played, along with 66 unforced errors.
Having received some on-court medical advice during his night match on Arthur Ashe, Djokovic fans continue to celebrate furtively as the knee still doesn’t look 100%.
The Serb is set to face his first seeded opponent in the third round, with Montreal champion Alexei Popyrin bidding to spoil the show.
Novak Djokovic becomes first male player to reach grand slam milestone
Djokovic made history without knowing and beat a long-held Roger Federer record after his opening day win against Radu Albot.
Keeping himself busy, he has already made it three with a new milestone reached after his second round win.
Upon victory, the 37-year-old became the first man to win 90 matches at every grand slam event, with his most coming at Wimbledon (97).
While the Serb’s most major titles have come in Australia (10), his 94 wins in Melbourne also sit behind Roland Garros where he’s racked up 96 wins.
A run to his 25th major title would move Djokovic to 95 US Open victories, as well as move him one ahead of the record he currently shares with Margaret Court with the pair still perched beside each other on 24 grand slams.
What is Novak Djokovic’s record against next US Open opponent Alexei Popyrin?
The record-breaking Montreal Champion Alexei Popyrin has enjoyed the best success of his life after his against-the-odds victory in Canada.
Seeded for the first time at a major tournament, the Australian enjoyed a career-high ranking of 23 after his title win in Montreal.
Also yet to drop a set so far, something will have to give in this third round match, with Djokovic far less likely to be able to get away with his high unforced error count.
Having twice played at grand slam this year at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, Popyrin has managed to take a set off the champion on each outing.
Also having taken Djokovic to at least one tie-break on both occasions, Popyrin has certainly improved his game and his confidence over the last month.
Djokovic will go in the favorite, but with a few question marks over his fitness and form, this might well be Popyrin’s best opportunity to get one over the Serb.
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