Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame a slow start in his second round match at the US Open, coming from behind to defeat Kyle Edmund 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After the Brit won the first set in a tiebreaker, Djokovic broke early in each of the next three sets to see of a spirited challenge from the world number 44 to remain undefeated on the season, improving his record to 22-0.
Djokovic comes from a set down to see off Edmund
Edmund was under pressure almost immediately, saving three break points in a 16-point third game and a fourth in his next service game, barely keeping himself in front by a 3-2 score. Both players found a good rhythm on serve and they dropped a combined four points over the final six games of the set.
A tiebreaker would decide matters and Edmund seized early control with a spectacular forehand winner down the line for a 2-0 lead. He gave the advantage away after Djokovic punished a terrible drop shot off of the Brit's racquet. The Serb handed Edmund a set point after sending a forehand wide and an ace gave the world number 44 a shock lead.
Djokovic made his move early in the second set, forcing an error from Edmund off of a return that just clipped the baseline and then watching as the Brit double-faulted to take a 3-1 lead. The top seed cruised to a 5-3 lead before facing 15-30. His serve got him out of trouble and an ace on set point levelled the match.
As was the case in the second set, Djokovic gained the advantage early on, breaking after Edmund sent a backhand over the baseline to take a 2-1 lead. He went up a double break after breaking the Brit to love, a run of four straight games that went to the returner with the top seed emerging with a 5-3 lead. Two games later, a forehand winner on set point gave Djokovic a two sets to one lead.
The fourth set turned out to be routine for the world number one as some superb defensive work earned him a break in the opening game. Edmund stayed within touch after battling to hold from deuce, but Djokovic earned a double break advantage when the Brit fired a backhand wide.
Serving for the match, Djokovic quickly reached triple match point and after some aggressive play off of the ground, the world number one put away an overhead to clinch a well-earned, hard-fought victory.