Djokovic breaks Federer’s record! Keeps health status confidential and refuses to disclose it

Throughout the 2025 season, Djokovic has dealt with numerous injuries in almost all the events he participated in. From a torn leg muscle at the Australian Open to a severe fall at Wimbledon followed by physiotherapy assessments, the Serbian star has faced significant challenges. However, his unconquerable willpower has consistently stood out. Now, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion advances to the fourth round of the 2025 US Open, Djokovic seems even more determined not to let injuries hold him back.

After defeating Norrie, Djokovic made history once again. With this victory, he became the player with the most hard-court Grand Slam wins in tennis history, totaling 192 matches, surpassing Federer. Perhaps this is why his words during the post-match sideline interview sounded particularly upbeat.

In a video posted on the official US Open Instagram, a reporter asked him how it felt to win three matches in New York despite a back injury. The 38-year-old Djokovic joked, “Pretty good. Ups and downs, you know. You don’t want to reveal too much information to the opponents watching this interview.” He then pointed at the camera, as if issuing a challenge to his competitors.

“I’m good, man. Still young, still strong. This is New York! Even if your body feels a bit off, the energy from this court completely overshadows those sensations,” Djokovic said with his trademark smile. He also surprisingly mentioned New York rapper Fat Joe, who appeared at Flushing Meadows that day.

“The music was really great. Tonight, one of the most famous rappers was here, and when his song played, I almost felt like standing up and dancing,” Djokovic laughed, joking that if he actually did that, he wouldn’t seem as serious as usual. But one thing is clear: the Serbian is thoroughly enjoying his time in New York and has every reason to smile brightly.

By beating Norrie, Djokovic became the oldest player (38 years old) to reach the US Open’s round of 16, the first to do so since Connors at the same age in 1991. Additionally, he matched Federer’s record of 69 appearances in the fourth round of Grand Slams. It’s astonishing to break so many records in a single Grand Slam event! Meanwhile, he also extended his head-to-head advantage over Norrie.

Before this US Open match, Djokovic had faced Norrie six times and remained undefeated, dropping only two sets. Although he requested an off-court medical timeout while leading 5-3 in the first set, giving the Brit hope who then immediately won a game after returning, Djokovic was not troubled by his back injury for long. He quickly regained his rhythm and secured another commanding win in New York.

In this tournament, many younger star players have retired mid-competition due to injuries, yet this veteran continues to deliver impressive performances.

This year’s US Open has fans eagerly awaiting good news on home soil. Since Roddick’s US Open victory in 2003, no American male player has claimed a singles title. Naturally, with a strong group competing at Flushing Meadows, there is hope to end this 20-plus-year “drought.” However, that hope currently seems quite slim. Many experts, including Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, had high expectations for Ben Shelton, but the results were disappointing.

During the third-round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, 22-year-old Shelton faced Mannarino amid a lively crowd. Having entered the US Open with an ATP Masters title, the audience was enthusiastic. Yet after three hours of a three-set battle, Shelton told his coach he had a shoulder strain. The issue didn’t improve, and tearful, he had to withdraw. After the match, Shelton said, “Usually, whether sick or injured, I keep playing as long as I can stay on the court. I’ve never felt like this before.”

In the first round, 25-year-old Korda also retired due to injury, facing Norrie. Britain’s Draper withdrew before his second-round match against Zizou Bergs. With so many players pulling out, Djokovic stands out as a “special case,” continuing to prove why he is considered one of the tennis “Big Three.”(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)