By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, September 2, 2016
"Health-wise I feel much better than I did at the beginning of the tournament," said Novak Djokovic after advancing to the US Open fourth round for the 10th consecutive year.
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NEW YORK—Contesting his 48th straight major, Novak Djokovic is a master of managing the Grand Slam grind.
The world No. 1 faces a different type of schedule challenge this week: Maintaining his competitive edge without extensive match play.
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Djokovic moved into the US Open fourth round for the 10th consecutive year without even breaking a sweat.
The top seed held a 4-2 lead over Mikhail Youzhny when the two-time former semifinalist retired with a left hamstring strain after just 31 minutes of play.
Djokovic, who received a walkover into the third round when scheduled opponent Jiri Vesely withdrew due to a left forearm injury, has completed just four sets to reach the fourth round.
No wonder why he spent time practicing on Ashe Stadium after Youzhny departed.
At his pre-tournament press conference a week ago, Djokovic said he needed time to heal from a left wrist injury. He views this abbreviated week on schedule as a benefit to his body as he gears up for week two.
"This particular situation I never had in my Grand Slam career," Djokovic said. "But considering the stage of the season, you know, the amount of matches I've played, what I've been through with my body, I think it's actually good to have some days off and then shorter matches from one side.
"From the other side, sure, as you are approaching second week of the Grand Slam you want to have match play and you want to have time spent on the center court before you face one of the top players. But, again, I'm not too concerned about my game itself. I've worked hard last couple days. Health-wise I feel much better than I did at the beginning of the tournament. You know, I'm confident that everything is going in the right direction."
The 12-time Grand Slam champion will play either 20th-seeded John Isner or Kyle Edmund for a trip to the quarterfinals.
Djokovic took treatment for a right arm issue in his opening-round win over Jerzy Janowicz and said he's feeling fitter now than when the Open bega.
"The arm is doing very well. Everything, as I said, is going in the right direction," Djokovic said. "I feel significantly better now than I have just at the beginning of the tournament. I'm looking forward to compete."
While the 29-year-old Serbian hasn't found the rhythm that comes from the repetition of playing a major every other day, he's not hurting for match play either. Djokovic has played 58 matches this year and will carry a 35-2 record into the fourth round.
Asked his reaction to the new Laver Cup competition set to launch in Europe next year, Djokovic said he fully supports it and the notion that tennis needs to embrace new events, ideas and innovations.
The newly-elected ATP Player Council president also reiterated his call for the sport to modify its schedule in an effort to diminish the physical pounding players endure and ensure health and longevity.
"I was saying many times before, and I still strongly believe, that we really need to consider making some changes in the schedule working towards protecting and nurturing players' wellness, well-being, health, and enduring careers," Djokovic said. "You see more and more injuries. This is due to a very physical sport, a very demanding schedule, more events, more significance of course.
"More prize money, more everything. Players play more. But in the end of the day, in the bigger picture, it's not that great. You don't want to see short careers, right? You want to see longer careers."