Novak Djokovic shrugged off a shoulder injury to beat Juan Ignacio Londero in the U.S. Open second round Wednesday.
The world No. 1 and defending champion needed treatment on his left shoulder during a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic fell behind in the opening two sets before proving too good for Londero, maintaining his record of having never been eliminated before the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The 16-time grand slam champion will face either Dusan Lajovic or Denis Kudla in the third round.
Make that wins this year for @DjokerNole!
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 29, 2019
The defeats Juan Ignacio Londero 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-1. | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/XtO18VPIhm
Londero matched it with Djokovic from the baseline early and grabbed a surprise break in the fifth game when the Serbian challenged incorrectly midpoint.
However, he failed to consolidate, Djokovic — bothered by a left shoulder injury — needing six break points to get back on level terms.
Djokovic required treatment on his shoulder at 4-3 before taking the opening set, playing characteristically brilliant defense as Londero netted a forehand in the 10th game.
A double fault gifted Londero a break to begin the second set as he took a 3-0 lead on the back of winning 12 of the first 15 points.
However, Djokovic responded again, winning five consecutive games before needing a tie-break to claim the second set.
The pair traded breaks to begin the third before Djokovic powered away to win in two hours, 15 minutes.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Novak Djokovic [1] bt Juan Ignacio Londero 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Djokovic – 35/35
Londero – 24/43
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Djokovic – 7/8
Londero – 6/5
BREAK POINTS WON
Djokovic – 8/17
Londero – 5/8
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Djokovic – 51
Londero – 62
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Djokovic – 71/48
Londero – 49/46
TOTAL POINTS
Djokovic – 102
Londero – 82