The 24-time Grand Slam champion sets another new mark as the oldest male player to reach the lodging in all four majors.
Released on September 1, 2025
Novak Djokovic made history in the Grand Slam at the age of 38, earning a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Leonard Struff in January, but the victory was at the expense of him. His quarter-final match fell for my daughter’s birthday.
“Yeah, she wasn’t very happy about it, I was away at the birthday party. Don’t remember that,” Djokovic said on Sunday.
The victory also moved Djokovic to his 64th Grand Slam quarterfinals, extending his record and continuing to live out his pursuit of a record 25th major title.
However, the Serbian mind was clearly about family issues as he spoke of the sacrifices needed at this stage of his career.
“If I’m here, I’ll win. At least I’ll win and try to give her such a present,” Djokovic said.
“I’m going to send some nice surprises to her birthday party.”
Djokovic rules
The match itself was a masterclass of power experience during our 109-minute encounter at Arthur Ash Stadium.
Djokovic claimed control of the opening game’s fourth round match, breaking the 35-year-old German service six times. His own serve proved decisive against players who took part in the match with the second highest ace count of the tournament at 66.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion fired 12 aces, earning 79% of first serve points, earning Straff’s biggest weapon, completely neutralising.
“If you’re working well, it definitely helps. I think I had a great serving performance from the last round and tonight,” Djokovic said.
“I just looked at the statistics. I missed one of the people who had the most aces in this year’s tournament. That’s a great statistic. Obviously it helps make my life easier on the court.”
Ranked 144th in the world, Struff defeated two seed players, Holger Rune (11th) and Frances Tiafoe (17) to reach the US’ first four open round, but was unable to put any serious pressure on the seventh seed.
The Germans managed only 19 winners and committed 32 forced errors.
Their total age of 73 and 60 days made this the oldest open men’s singles match in the United States since the fourth round of their professional days.
Djokovic, who has a 36-0 record against the qualifiers in the Grand Slam, required treatment from physics on his right shoulder and forearm during the match, but did not appear to be overly troubled by the problems.
While he heads into a potential semi-final against world’s second Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic said he hasn’t seen his quarter-final opponent, Taylor Fritz, past the 2024 US Open runner-up.
“For me, over the last few years I’ve learned one thing. Now it’s time to play one game at a time,” he added.
