"It's frustrating not to be able to feel 100% like I have for over 20 years," Djokovic's words after his third round at the US Open

Qualified for the round of 16 at the US Open after his victory against Norrie (6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3), Djokovic did not have easy early rounds. At 38 years old, the Serbian is aware that his physical condition is not going to improve and that every detail will matter:

"To be honest, my feelings are really fluctuating. It's frustrating for me, honestly, not to be able to feel 100% like I have for over 20 years. I have to get used to the fact that every match can hold surprises, as has been the case this year, practically at every Grand Slam tournament.

So I'm just trying to do my best and manage the days when I don't have a match. I'll probably skip tennis practice tomorrow to focus solely on my recovery. That is, I think, for me and my team in general, the priority right now.

As for my feelings on the court, I'm feeling the ball well. Can I play better? Yes, always. But I'm satisfied with the number of hours I've spent on the court playing the first three rounds. So I think it's more about managing my body and putting it in the best possible condition for the next match."

In the next round, he will face Struff, former world number 21 and author of an impressive run at Flushing Meadows. Coming through the qualifiers, he is on a two-match winning streak against Rune and then Tiafoe.