Weary Djokovic a close call

An exhausted Novak Djokovic said his never-say-die attitude had helped him through an energy-sapping five-set battle with Tommy Robredo in the U.S.

Open fourth round on Tuesday.

The Serbian third seed was suffering from a hip problem, a stomach upset and breathing trouble on a hot day but had enough in reserve to beat the Spanish 15th seed 4-6 6-2 6-3 5-7 6-3.

Having been pushed almost to the limit by Croatian Marin Cilic in the previous round, Djokovic began sluggishly and when Robredo netted a forehand to hand him victory after three-and-a-half hours he punched his chest in celebration.

NEW YORK,

Wednesday Reuters