From the start, Djokovic’s wrist didn’t seem a hundred percent. This could be seen mainly on the serve, when Djokovic offered two break points to Janowicz at 2-2, but ended up breaking for 4-2. The No. 1 had to save more break points when serving for the set, but did so in style and served the set out 6-3.
The second set brought only more struggles from Djokovic, but actually decent game from Janowicz. The low-percentage shots that are Janowicz’s bread and butter were coming along well, his drop shots were mostly successful and looked his old self. The break for Janowicz came at 3-2, and it was his 8th breakpoint. The Pole then proved his unpredictability and got broken back easily. Djokovic had breakpoints on both of Janowicz’s following serving games, but it was Jerzy who took the set with a roar. The ending of the second set was strange. After double faulting at 15-30, Djokovic grabbed his hand and grimaced in pain. At the set point for Janowicz, Djokovic just spun the serve in, and the following forehand just flew off his racket.
Surprisingly enough, Djokovic didn’t request a medical timeout and Janowicz didn’t follow up on his form from the second set. Djokovic slowed down on his first serve, going as low as 84 mph (135 km/h) and often putting up a stronger second serve than the first. He also slowed down his game in general, which surprisingly didn’t help Janowicz. Janowicz’s game got worse, his footwork more sloppy and far less active. Djokovic took the third and 4th set easily, and won the match 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-1 in 2 hours and 39 minutes.
Novak afterwards was not too specific about his injuries in press, and seemed like he was trying to dodge any questions regarding his physical state or the wrist injuries, and when he did answer he was being very vague.
Djokovic was also quick to praise the last grandslam of the year: “US Open is the most entertaining grandslam, I think. They undoubtedly have the most special night session in the world. The lights and the show are just amazing ”
