Djokovic reaches third round as opponent retires

NEW YORK -- Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached the third round of the US Open on Wednesday night when his opponent had to stop in the third set of their match with an injury.

Djokovic led Laslo Djere 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 when his Serbian countryman retired. Djere was leading 4-2 in the second set when he appeared to be troubled by pain near his hip and was visited by an athletic trainer later in the set.

It marked the 16th time Djokovic has advanced at a major via retirement or walkover, the most by any man since the Open era began in 1968.

It was the 90th win at the US Open for Djokovic, allowing him to reach that total at all four Grand Slams. The 24-time major champion will play No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin on Friday.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Djokovic reaches third round as opponent retires

Djokovic reaches third round as opponent retires

Djokovic reaches third round as opponent retires

Djokovic reaches third round as opponent retires

Djokovic reaches third round as opponent retires