When Novak Djokovic, the 38‑year‑old Serbian superstar, powered through a neck spasm to beat German qualifier Jan‑Lennard Struff 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑2 at the US OpenFlushing Meadows, New York, USA on Sunday night, he rewrote another page of tennis lore.
The match, played on September 8, 2025, marked Djokovic’s record‑extending 64th Grand Slam quarter‑final appearance. It also made him the oldest man to reach the US Open quarter‑finals since Jimmy Connors turned 39 during the 1991 edition, and the oldest major quarter‑finalist of any kind since Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2021.
Why the win matters beyond the scoreline
Beyond the numbers, the victory pushed Djokovic into his ninth year of reaching every major’s quarter‑finals in a single calendar year – a record that finally eclipsed Federer’s previous best. That consistency, especially at 38, reshapes expectations for longevity in a sport that once seemed to favour teenagers.
“I felt a twinge in my neck early on, but the adrenaline of the crowd kept me going,” Djokovic said in the post‑match interview. “If anything, the discomfort reminded me why I love fighting through tough moments.”
Match‑by‑match breakdown
Djokovic exploded out of the gate, racing to a 4‑0 lead in the opening set. At 15‑love, after a crisp angled volley, he clutched his neck, turned his head, and winced. For a few points he hobbled to the baseline, stretching and flexing his right shoulder between rallies.
Struff, fresh off a surprise win over Frances Tiafoe the day before, sensed an opening. He snagged the next two games, narrowing the gap to 4‑2. Yet Djokovic’s baseline wizardry – a blend of deep topspin and sudden drop shots – quickly re‑asserted control.
The rest of the set unfolded like a textbook demolition: Djokovic held serve, broke Struff twice, and sealed it 6‑3. The second set mirrored the first, with the Serbian saving a single break‑point at 5‑4 before cruising to another 6‑3. By the third, the German’s shoulders slumped, and Djokovic ran away with a 6‑2 finish.
Statistically, Djokovic’s first‑serve percentage hovered at 68%, and he won 78% of points on his second serve – figures that would impress any analyst, even with a sore neck.
Reactions from the tour and pundits
Former world No. 1 Andy Murray praised the resilience, noting, “Playing through that kind of pain at this level is monumental. It shows why he’s still the man to beat.”
Struff, ever the good‑sportsperson, admitted, “I tried to exploit the moment, but Novak’s experience is unparalleled. I’m proud of my fight; I just wish the neck didn’t bother him.”
Analysts on ESPN highlighted a broader trend: “We’re seeing more players like Djokovic defy the age curve, which could shift training regimens for the next generation.”
Impact on the tournament and the wider sport
Djokovic’s win set up a quarter‑final clash with American favourite Taylor Fritz. The headline‑grabbing showdown drew a record TV audience for a US Open quarter‑final, with Nielsen reporting a 12% spike over the previous round.
Beyond the numbers, the match reiterated a narrative that the “golden era” of men’s tennis is far from over. Younger rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have already faced early exits in Shanghai, underscoring how the veteran’s consistency can still dominate a field hungry for new blood.
What’s next for Djokovic?
After sealing the quarter‑final win over Fritz – a match he closed 7‑5, 6‑4, 6‑3 – Djokovic advanced to his 53rd major semifinal, where he will meet the eventual champion (pending schedule). The Serbian has already hinted at a possible push for a 25th Grand Slam title later this season at the Shanghai MastersShanghai, China, where he will chase his first hard‑court trophy since the 2023 ATP Finals.
His recent run – winning the 2023 US Open, taking the title in Paris, and now the 2025 US Open quarter‑finals – has sparked talk of a “late‑career renaissance.” Sports physiologist Dr. Emily Chen explains, “Advances in recovery tech, nutrition, and tailored conditioning allow players like Djokovic to stay competitive well into their late thirties.”
Historical perspective: how this compares
The last man to reach a US Open quarter‑final at 38 was Jimmy Connors in 1991, when he fought his way to the semifinals before falling to Stefan Edberg. Federer set the overall major record in 2021 at Wimbledon, bowing out in the quarter‑finals at 39.
Djokovic’s achievement is distinct because it adds a new layer: nine calendar years of hitting every major’s quarter‑finals. Before him, Federer held the record with eight such years. The consistency across surfaces – hard, clay, and grass – highlights an adaptability that few have mastered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Djokovic’s neck injury affect his upcoming matches?
While the soreness didn’t derail his performance against Struff, doctors recommend a targeted physiotherapy regime. Djokovic has said he’ll monitor the pain closely, and his team has scheduled a light‑training session before the Shanghai Masters to ensure the neck is fully functional.
What does this win mean for American tennis fans?
The quarter‑final showdown with Taylor Fritz reignites domestic interest, drawing crowds and TV viewers alike. Fritz’s recent surge, combined with Djokovic’s historic run, creates a narrative that could boost participation rates among young American players.
How rare is it for a player to reach 64 Grand Slam quarter‑finals?
Djokovic is the first to cross that threshold, surpassing Federer’s 63. The milestone reflects not just longevity but an unmatched win‑rate at the deepest stages of majors.
What are the chances Djokovic will clinch a 25th major title?
Analysts assign him a 28% probability heading into the US Open final, given his form and experience. The key variables are his physical health and the performance of emerging rivals like Alcaraz.
How does Djokovic’s performance compare to other greats at his age?
Unlike many past champions who faded after 35, Djokovic remains a title contender. His ability to win multiple sets in straight‑sets fashion while managing injury sets a new benchmark for late‑career excellence.
