Image Source: ATP Tour
Jan-Lennard Struff is set to face off against Novak Djokovic for the eighth time in their intriguing rivalry as both players head into the fourth round of the US Open. Struff, a German player, has faced Djokovic seven times previously without securing a single victory. This upcoming match offers him another chance to overturn his past defeats against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The duo’s first meeting dates back to 2009, when Struff was a mere teenager participating as a hitting partner at a tournament in Halle. Reflecting on that experience, Struff recalled, “It was raining, and we played soccer indoors… His coach back then, I think Marian Vajda, scored a last-minute goal, and they were going nuts.” Fast forward to today, both players are still prominent figures in the ATP Tour, each with their own unique journeys.
As Struff prepares to take on Djokovic in the fourth round, he acknowledges the significance of this matchup. With Djokovic being renowned for his longevity in the sport, he noted, “It’s just fantastic how good he’s playing… He shows us all that you can play long tennis and very, very good tennis at his age, and it’s just incredible.” The 38-year-old Serbian continues to dominate, having won 17 of the 18 sets played against Struff in their previous encounters.
Struff’s Journey to the Fourth Round
This year marks Struff’s 10th appearance in the main draw of the US Open, and it has been a challenging path to reach this point. The rugged terrain of the tournament saw him ranked No. 144 in the ATP rankings entering the competition, an all-time low for the player after starting the season at No. 42. Struff exhibited resilience, navigating through qualifying rounds that saw him face potential elimination against players like former World No. 58 Taro Daniel.
He had to pull back from a set and a break down during their match and later defeated top seed Arthur Cazaux to secure his spot in the main event. “In qualifying, it was tough. The rain saved me a little bit against Taro Daniel,” he admitted, showcasing his relief at overcoming those early obstacles.
Since entering the main draw, Struff’s performance has been impressive, defeating the 11th seed Holger Rune in a gripping five-set match and showcasing his skills by ousting the home favorite Frances Tiafoe in straight sets. Struff’s recent surge has propelled him back into the Top 100 of the ATP rankings, now sitting at No. 98. “I know I can play good tennis,” he stated confidently as he aims to make his first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.
What Lies Ahead for Struff
As he gears up for this pivotal match against Djokovic, Struff expresses the hope of capturing his first victory. He emphasizes his determination and the belief in his abilities to defeat top-tier players: “I know I can beat a lot of good guys.” With momentum on his side and aspirations to overcome his previous record against Djokovic, Struff remains focused and ready for the challenge ahead.
FAQ Section
1. How many times has Jan-Lennard Struff faced Novak Djokovic?
Jan-Lennard Struff has faced Novak Djokovic seven times, losing all encounters.
2. What has been Struff’s best performance in Grand Slam tournaments?
Struff aims to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open this year.
3. What challenges has Struff faced in the 2025 season?
Struff has faced a challenging season, starting at No. 42 and dropping to No. 144 before this tournament.
4. Who did Struff defeat to reach the fourth round of the US Open?
Struff defeated Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe to reach the fourth round.
5. What motivates Struff in his upcoming match against Djokovic?
Struff is motivated by the desire to secure his first victory against Djokovic and make a mark in this prestigious tournament.
