US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic survives a major scare as he defeats fellow Serbian Laslo Djere in five-set

Novak Djokovic managed a complete comeback from a two-set deficit to defeat his compatriot and world No. 32 Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in the third round of the US Open 2023 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night.

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"It's one of the toughest matches I've played here in many years. Huge, huge credit to Laslo, who played some of the best tennis I've ever seen him play. The message is sent to the rest of the field, obviously, that I'm still able to play five sets, deep (into the) night. Coming from two sets down always sends a strong message to future opponents." Djokovic said.

"But I'm not really wanting to be in this position, to be honest," Djokovic added. "I prefer a straight-set win. So hopefully I can get back on that track in the next match."

This one began under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night and did not wrap up until more than 3 1/2 hours later, concluding just after 1:30 a.m.

It was Djokovic's eighth career victory after dropping the opening two sets of a match. He also improved to 38-11 in five-setters. Once he seized control, he held on tight and never let Djere recover. In the crucible of a fifth set, Djokovic was cool as can be, collecting 12 of the initial 14 points to leave no doubt how this would go.

He won three of his men's-record 23 Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows. He also been the runner-up a half-dozen times, including in 2021. The 36-year-old from Serbia did not compete in the US Open last year because he couldn't travel to the United States as a foreigner as he could not take the vaccine against COVID-19.

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According to the latest ATP ranking, Djokovic is one rank behind Carlos Alcaraz. Almost everyone is expecting the two of them to face off for the US Open 2023 on September 10. This would be a rematch of their thrilling final at Wimbledon 2023 in July, which Alcaraz won in five sets.