Novak Djokovic turns against Bernabe Zapata Miralles and advances to the third round

Three-time US Open champion and Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic finally showed himself as a sovereign in the second match of his title quest in New York.

After initial difficulties in the first set, he defeated Spain’s Barnaby Zapata Miralles, ranked 76th in the world, in just under two hours 6:4, 6:1, 6:1.

“It was difficult in the first set, it was very wet. But in the second and third sets I was at a higher level, so I’m very happy,” Djokovic admitted.

Djokovic showed 35 winners with 22 unavoidable errors. In addition, the 36-year-old saved all six break points of his opponent, who was 10 years his junior.

The Serbian returns to New York for the first time since 2021, after a general absence. Djokovic last won the Big Apple in 2018.

Because, unlike defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (Spain), he does not have to defend any points in the world rankings at the US Open, it is already clear that the Serb will be world number one again.

Djokovic will meet in the third round with compatriot Lazlo Diri (No. 32), whom he has faced only once (winning in the second round in Belgrade 2022).