Fonseca

Novak Djokovic says he is “trying to solve the riddle” and find his best form after fighting back from a set down to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda in the US Open second round.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared subdued in the early stages of the match before powering through to a 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 6-1 win.

“I’m not pleased with my level of tennis, but, you know, you have days like this where you’re not playing at your best, but you just kind of find a way,” Djokovic said.

“I’m just trying to solve the riddle once I’m on the court.”

The 38-year-old said he was “a bit with frustrated with his game” as he continues his bid for a standalone record 25th major trophy.

“It’s not like I’m not finding joy on the court competing. I enjoy competing, but I don’t enjoy not playing well,” the Serb said.

“That’s why I put extra pressure on myself and my team to be better the next day, the next match,” he said.

“It’s not a motivation thing. I kind of go through stuff internally. You don’t want to know the details of what I’m going through and telling myself.”

Djokovic has already set another record in New York in reaching the third round at a major for the 75th time – one more than Roger Federer’s tally.

He will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie – who he has beaten at the French Open and Wimbledon this year – in the third round.

The ferocity of Fearnley’s forehand increased, finding more speed and depth to trouble Fonseca, while also stepping further into the court to attack the Brazilian’s second serve.

The adjustments were illustrated by three whopping forehand winners – including one at 89mph – which secured a double break on his way to levelling the match.

Fearnley’s momentum enabled him to move an early break up in the decider – but Fonseca showed he possesses the mental strength, as well as the technical talent, needed to climb even higher in the rankings.

Fonseca reasserted his authority in the baseline exchanges, applying enough pressure on Fearnley’s serve to draw out two double faults and break back for 3-3.

With plenty of vocal Brazilian fans behind him, Fonseca maintained the momentum as he underlined why he is being predicted to reach the very top.

PAULO FONSECA has been handed a NINE-MONTH ban after his heated confrontation with a referee.

The Lyon manager had squared up to referee Benoit Millot during a Ligue 1 match against Brest.

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Fonseca won the Next Gen ATP Finals – for the best male players aged 21 and under – at the end of 2024.

He was the second-youngest champion at the tournament after world number one Jannik Sinner, who won in 2019, and who persuaded Fonseca to turn professional after a hitting session in 2023.

Fonseca then began the year by stunning ninth seed Andrey Rublev in the first round of the Australian Open, with Spain’s four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz tipping him as a future star.

Against Cerundolo, he came back from an early break down in the first set to take the lead and served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5 up in the second.

He was twice broken back by his experienced opponent, but Fonseca took total control in the tie-break, dropping just one point before clinching the title with an angled forehand winner.

He will rise to 68 in the world rankings before travelling to his home tournament, the Rio Open, which begins on Monday.