The Serbian ace progressed to the third round at Flushing Meadows after his compatriot pulled out at the beginning of the third set due to an abdominal injury and admitted that it was the worst way to win.

Djokovic said: "It’s not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover.

"He’s such a good player, especially in these conditions."

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was made to fight hard before Djere suffered his physical issues and knows that he will have to improve as he progresses through the tournament in New York.

Djokovic said: "It should have been his second set, honestly. He was up 4-2. It was a big fight, over two hours for two sets.

"I served awful. Without a serve, you have to grind, you have to run. I had to rely on my baseline game.

"Of course, I have to be happy with a win and in the important moments that I played one more ball over than the net than him.

"The matches are only going to get tougher from here. But I’ll be fine. I’ll find my way as I have many times in my career."

The world number two is looking to win his first major in 2024 but is delighted to still be competing at the top level at the age of 37.

He said: "It’s a great privilege to be able to play again at my age, to keep pushing the bar for the younger guys and see how far I can go."