Djokovic plays down injury fears after battling into second round

Novak Djokovic brushed off concerns about his fitness after the defending champion battled past Jerzy Janowicz in the first round of the US Open.

Djokovic had to call for a medical time-out just five games into the contest inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, when a trainer massaged the upper part of his right arm.

The Serbian, who has admitted an injury to his left wrist has also not healed, looked uncomfortable throughout but he did enough to beat Janowicz 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-1.

He now faces Czech Jiri Vesely in round two and after the match the world No 1 was reluctant to discuss his physical issues.

“It’s getting better and better each day,” Djokovic said.

“I’m glad that I’m experiencing that. So hopefully as the tournament progresses, I’ll reach my peak.”

Janowicz was too careless to capitalise on any weakness in his opponent’s armour but Djokovic will have to survive tougher tests if he is to win his 13th grand slam title in New York.

Rafael Nadal is a potential foe in the semi-finals and he appeared far less troubled by his own wrist injury as he cruised past Denis Istomin 6-1 6-4 6-2.

The Spaniard will now face Andreas Seppi in the second round at Flushing Meadows after the Italian overcame Frenchman Stephane Robert.

Third seed Stan Wawrinka is safely through after defeating Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 6-4, while No 6 seed Kei Nishikori saw off Benjamin Becker (Ger) 6-1 6-1 3-6 6-3.

Grigor Dimitrov, David Ferrer, John Isner, Milos Raonic, Marin Cilic, Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are also into the second round.

But American Sam Querry – who knocked out Djokovic at Wimbledon last month – is out after losing to Janko Tipsarevic 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (0-7) 6-3 6-3

World No 1 Novak Djokovic, top, applauds the crowd after sealing his place in the second round, while No 3 seed Stan Wawrinka, above, is also through after beating Fernando Verdasco.