Novak Djokovic has continued his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title after reaching the third round of the US Open.
Djokovic beat Zachary Svajda from a set down to reach the third round of the US Open for the 19th time in his career.
This is the second American opponent that he has beaten in New York this year, but Djokovic has still been receiving lots of support at the US Open.
While it was a relatively routine victory for Djokovic, something happened during his match that not everyone was happy about.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty ImagesBrad Gilbert calls out rule that Zachary Svajda utilised against Novak Djokovic
Qualifier Svajda was looking to cause a huge upset against Djokovic and made an impressive start after winning the first set tie-break.
However, things started to take a turn for the American after he appeared to be struggling with cramp.
While players are unable to take an official medical timeout for cramping, they are allowed to receive treatment within allotted 90 seconds during the change of ends.
This is completely within the current rules of tennis, but Coco Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert is not a fan of it.
In a couple of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), Gilbert suggested that cramp should not be treated as it is a form of conditioning, while admitting that his views may be a bit old fashioned.
Gilbert said, “Still not a fan whatsoever being able to get treatment for cramps, even if just on changeovers.”
He added in a later post, “I’m definitely old school about cramps, you earned the right to be in the position that your opponent is struggling with fitness, same also injury timeout has to be on your serve or you forfeit the game.”
still not a fan whatsoever being able to get treatment for cramps, even if just on changeovers
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 27, 2025
View Tweet
i’m definitely 💯 old school 🏫 about cramps, you eared the right you to be in the position that your opponent is struggling with fitness, same also Injury timeout has to be on your serv or you forfeit the game
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 27, 2025
View Tweet
Novak Djokovic vs Cameron Norrie Head-to-Head
Taking advantage of his opponent’s physical struggles, Djokovic beat Svajda, 6(5)-7 6-3 6-3 6-1, to win his 92nd match at the US Open.
Djokovic has not been that convincing to some people watching the US Open this year, but fans of the Serbian are unlikely to have too much concern about his next match.
Former top 10 player Cameron Norrie will be Djokovic’s next opponent, which could appear to be a potential hurdle for him to face, but the Briton has never won a single match against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
YearTournamentResult2021ATP Finals (RR)Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-2 6-12022Wimbledon (SF)Djokovic beat Norrie, 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-42023Italian Open (R16)Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-3 6-42023Davis Cup Finals (QF)Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-4 6-42025Geneva Open (SF)Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-4 6(6)-7 6-12025Roland Garros (R16)Djokovic beat Norrie, 6-2 6-3 6-2
Djokovic has actually only dropped two sets against Norrie, and has already beaten him twice this year.
One of those meetings came at Roland Garros, which left Norrie full of praise for an underrated Djokovic trait.
Norrie will look to end his winless run against Djokovic when they play at the US Open on Friday, August 29.