Djokovic advances to US Open quarter-finals despite receiving medical treatment

Novak Djokovic advanced to the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, but twice sought medical attention during the match and left unanswered questions about his physical condition.

The 38-year-old Serb overpowered Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in under two hours, dictating play for large stretches despite calling for treatment for a neck issue and a problem with his right forearm. The win extended Djokovic's run at Flushing Meadows, marking his 14th US Open quarter-final — second only to Jimmy Connors' 17 in the Open era — and kept his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title alive.

Djokovic, playing his first tournament since a Wimbledon semi-final defeat in July, had appeared to show signs of fatigue in his earlier matches in New York and struggled with a lower back issue during his third-round victory over Britain's Cameron Norrie. He also skipped the ATP Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati in the lead-up to the US Open.

Against Struff, a powerful German qualifier, Djokovic seized the initiative early and established control from the baseline. The Serbian's serve and shot selection kept Struff on the defensive and limited the qualifier's opportunities to change the match's momentum. The medical breaks briefly halted play but did not visibly alter the match's direction.

Tournament statistics and Djokovic's own recent schedule have heightened scrutiny of his durability as the event progresses. While the treatments were precautionary and did not force retirement or a prolonged stoppage, they followed a pattern of physical management that has accompanied Djokovic through the summer. Players and coaches often use in-match treatment to address tightness or soreness and to prolong effectiveness during long Grand Slam runs.

Djokovic's victory continues a career-long pattern of success at major events and underscores his adaptability even when managing physical issues. The Serb will now prepare for his quarter-final assignment as he pursues a milestone 25th major title.

Tournament officials did not report any further detail about the treatments, and Djokovic did not immediately provide comments about his condition following the match. The extent to which the issues will influence his performance later in the tournament will be clearer as he prepares for the next round.