Novak Djokovic pushes past shoulder pain to advance to US Open 3rd round

But despite the scoreline of 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-1, there could be major concerns for the world No. 1.

Djokovic, having trouble with his left shoulder, looked to be in pain and was in initial trouble against the Argentine.

The 16-time major champion, who had visits from the trainer multiple times, could be seen grimacing early and was shaking out his left arm during the match.

Djokovic said to ESPN on court after the match that the shoulder was affecting his serve and backhand, but he didn't want to elaborate further on the extent of the injury.

"I was definitely tested," Djokovic said to ESPN. "This is something I've been carrying for quite a while now."

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Trailing with Londero up a break at 3-2, Djokovic was able to break back and then saw the trainer. He was able to close out the set, but he sought the trainer again right after doing so.

The Serbian's struggles continued, with Djokovic down a double break to start the second set. Things started looking up when he rattled off five straight games, but a shaky service game put Londero back in it and led to a tiebreak. After Djokovic came out on top, the trainer came back out on court to work on his shoulder again.

After trading breaks to open the third set, Djokovic pulled away.

"It wasn't easy, obviously, playing with the pain, but you have to find a way to fight and hope that you'll get some lucky shots," Djokovic said to ESPN. "You get some opportunities when they're presented, you have to step in and take them. That was the case. I had some luck, as I said, in the second set, to come back.

"I'll move on. It's not the first time that I'm facing this kind of adversity so to say, or a challenge. It is what it is, and I'm just grateful to be on the court."

Djokovic, who will have the day off Thursday, will next face either American Denis Kudla or fellow Serbian and No. 27 seed Dusan Lajovic. Those two won't have the luxury of rest like Djokovic; their match, as so many others on Wednesday, got washed away by rain. They're scheduled to now play in what will be a busy Thursday, with the winner to face Djokovic on Friday.

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