Djokovic reaches US Open fourth round after five-set win over Norrie

Novak Djokovic advanced to the US Open fourth round on Friday in New York after battling past Britain’s Cameron Norrie in a five-set match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, extending his unbeaten run against the British number two to seven. The 38-year-old Serb, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, weathered an early scare and a midmatch medical timeout for a back problem before pulling away late to complete the victory.

Djokovic’s path to the win was far from smooth. He called for treatment in the first set after appearing to seize in his lower back, briefly leaving the court, and returned for further attention early in the second. Norrie, making his Arthur Ashe debut, capitalised on a strong spell to force a tiebreak and take the second set, but Djokovic regained control in the middle sets and closed out the match in the fourth and fifth sets to move on.

“It is all right. You do not want to reveal too much to the rivals watching this,” Djokovic said after the match when asked about his physical condition, adding he felt better after treatment and medication. “I am as young and as strong as ever.” He also acknowledged the unevenness of his build-up, noting he had not played since...