Three-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic survived a scare in his third-round match Friday night, losing the first two sets before rallying to outlast fellow Serbian Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic, the No. 2 seed who is chasing his 24th Grand Slam title, advanced to the fourth round, where he’ll face Croatia’s Borna Gojo.
It was Djokovic’s eighth career win after going down two sets in a major. Before Friday, Djokovic was 1-6 at the US Open when losing the first two sets, with the lone win coming against Roger Federer in the 2011 semifinal.
Djere is seeded 32nd and was trying to make it to the fourth round at a major tournament for the first time.
Both are from Serbia and have known each other for years. They have practiced together, competed as doubles partners on tour and been Davis Cup teammates.