Novak Djokovic flipped the momentum in a flash after dropping the opening two sets as he overhauled Serb compatriot Laslo Djere 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 early Saturday at the US Open.
A modest crowd remained at the Ashe showcort as yet another match went well into the wee hours as controversy over scheduling of the in-you-face Grand Slam erupted again.
Djokovic managed to recover from two sets to love down for the eighth time in his career; he last performed the escape act here in 2011, saving two points to beat Roger Federer in a semi-final.
The second-seeded winner came back a changed man after heading for a clothing change after losing the opening two sets and said he fired himself up during the brief pause.
.”I gave myself a little pep talk in the mirror. I was pissed off and agitated but I had to force myself to lift my spirits.
“Tonight it worked and I’m grateful.”
From then on the 23-time Grand Slam winner caught fire as the hopes faded for Djere, a frequent practice partner.
The struggle lasted for three and three and three-quarter hours as Djokovic struggled into the fourth round. .
“It was unbelievable,” he said after winning on a second match point as Djere went wide.
“It’s almost 2 a.m. and there are a large number of people still here.. The match was not so enjoyable for me in the first two sets.
“It was one of the toughest I’ve played here in many years. It was difficult for me to find a solution but in the third set I lifted myself and the crowd got into it.
“Once I got the break in the third set I told myself I might as well go after it.
“This match was nerve-wracking all the way to the last shot.”
The 32nd-seeded Djere missed out on his first career Top 10 win in a Grand Slam tournament and has now lost seven times.
Djokovic is now into the New York fourth round for a 15th consecutive time.
He ended with 11 aces and broke seven times against his countryman.
