Novak Djokovic admitted he’s anxious about his bodily situation after battling by means of a painful blister to succeed in the second spherical of the US Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion made a successful return to Flushing Meadows on Sunday night time, defeating American teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6, 6-2.
However his straight-sets victory was removed from routine, with Djokovic requiring medical consideration for a grotesque blister on his foot that left followers wincing.
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The previous world No 1 seemed in full management early on, racing by means of the primary set in simply over 20 minutes.
But the rhythm of the match shifted within the second when lengthy baseline rallies started to take their toll.
Between units, the Serb referred to as for a physio, who handled what tv cameras later revealed to be a big flap of free pores and skin on his massive toe.
The close-up pictures rapidly went viral, with some viewers horrified by the severity of the blister and others criticising broadcasters for displaying it in such element.
“That Djokovic foot didn’t look fairly,” one fan wrote on social media, whereas one other added: “The blister on Djokovic’s massive toe is horrific. It’s not even a blister—it’s a one-square-inch flap of pores and skin simply hanging there.”
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Others pointed to Djokovic’s lack of current match play as a potential trigger.
The 38-year-old had not featured on tour since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on July 11, leaving him with out aggressive singles motion for almost six weeks earlier than his US Open opener.
Regardless of the discomfort, Djokovic steadied himself after dropping his stage halfway by means of the match.
He edged the second set in a tie-break earlier than reasserting his authority within the third, wrapping up victory in simply over two hours.
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I didn’t must see the coach rip the band help off Djokovic toe and reveal this 👇🏻
#USOpen pic.twitter.com/oUQ2KKCgl2— Daniel Benjamin Martin (@BabyBiird) August 25, 2025
Talking afterwards, Djokovic dismissed any suggestion that the blister itself would derail his marketing campaign however admitted to being unsettled by how drained he felt throughout longer exchanges.
“I began nice, simply over 20 minutes, first set, I felt actually good,” he stated.
“Then some lengthy video games to start out the second set, I actually was stunned how unhealthy I used to be feeling within the second bodily.
“We had lengthy exchanges, but in addition, I type of dropped my stage and made quite a lot of unforced errors and type of obtained him again into the match. Good factor, two days off now, nevertheless it’s barely a priority.
“I don’t have any damage or something. I simply struggled so much to remain in lengthy exchanges and get better after factors.”
Djokovic now has the advantage of two relaxation days earlier than his second-round match.
His subsequent opponent is Zachary Svajda, who can also be American.
The 22-year-old booked his place within the second spherical with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Zsombor Piros.
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Djokovic has received the US Open 4 instances through the years.
His first triumph got here again in 2011, along with his final coming in 2023.