Djokovic wins easily again at US Open

American Novak Djokovic defeated Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the US Open on August 30.

After the first two rounds, Djokovic had only lost a total of 11 games. Against Spanish opponent Zapata Miralles, the 23-time Grand Slam winner only had a little trouble at the beginning of the first and third sets. Nole saved all six break-points throughout the match and took advantage of six of 11 opportunities to win the serve, to close the match after two hours.

Djokovic had 35 winners in the match against Zapata Miralles at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 30. Photo: USO — Djokovic had 35 winners in the match against Zapata Miralles at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 30. Photo: *USO*

Nole's near-perfect performances in the first two rounds earned him a special question from reporters after the match. "The 36-year-old me would have won in three sets," the Serbian replied when asked about the result between his current confrontation and the Nole version of 10 years ago. "I don't want to compete with myself, but I did. Every match I have to compete with my inner mind. If I win that match, I win the real match."

Djokovic also said that the current version is better than 10 years ago in terms of experience, ability to make decisions at important moments as well as energy conservation. In the third round, Nole will meet compatriot Laslo Djere. The 32nd seed is in good form, having just easily defeated Hugo Gaston 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

While Nole played well in the first two rounds, many seeds in his draw were eliminated early. Seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas unexpectedly lost to world number 28 Dominic Stricker 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(5), 6-7(8), 3-6 in the second round. Before that, fourth seed Holger Rune, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti all stopped in their opening matches.

In the women's singles, the title contenders all advanced. Top seed Iga Swiatek beat Daria Saville 6-3, 6-4, while Coco Gauff eliminated 16-year-old prodigy Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-2 in the second round. Roland Garros 2023 runner-up Karolina Muchova also beat Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-3, while 18th seed Victoria Azarenka lost to Chinese player Zhu Lin 3-6, 3-6.

Vy Anh

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