Djokovic into third round after Djere retires injured



Novak Djokovic is through to the third round of the US Open after a gruelling match came to a premature end when Laslo Djere was forced to retire with injury.

Defending champion Djokovic was leading 6-4 6-4 2-0 when an abdominal issue meant fellow Serb Djere was unable to continue.

Although the match went little more than two sets, the pair were on court for more than two hours in extreme heat and humidity in New York.

"It was a big fight, more than two hours for two sets," Djokovic said.

"I served awful and without the serve, you have to grind, you have to run."

The two scrapped for an hour in a ferociously contested first set before Djokovic found an extra gear to take it with a break to love.

Djokovic appeared to be struggling in the humid conditions early on and received treatment before the second set.

Djere sensed his chance, earned an early break and looked set to level the match at a set apiece, leading 4-2 and with two break points.

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