US OPEN: Novak Djokovic Shows Class, Cruise Past Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 to reach third round

Novak Djokovic continued on his outstanding record at this year’s US Open on Wednesday after defeating Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round.

The 36-year-old Serbian won his opening match in straight sets to guarantee his return to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday 11 September and was impressive again against Zapata Miralles, saving all six break points he faced to advance after two hours and two minutes. The 36-year-old has dropped just 11 games in his first two matches.

“At 36 years of age, after 20 years of coming to New York, I still have the hunger to play my best tennis on this court,” Djokovic said. “I have the experience and understanding of what needs to be done in the important moments. Preserving the energy and focusing on the present moment.”

Djokovic, who last appeared in New York in 2021 when he reached the final, will next meet Laslo Djere after the Serbian overcame Hugo Gaston 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

The second seed, 36, is chasing a record-extending 10th US Open final appearance (3-6 record). Having won the Australian Open and Roland Garros crowns this year and reached the Wimbledon final, the 23-time major champion is looking to reach the title match of all four Slams in the same season for the third time in his career (2021 and 2015).

Djokovic now holds a 40-5 record on the season, having captured a record-extending 39th ATP Masters 1000 crown in Cincinnati earlier this month.