Djokovic overcomes blip to beat Sandgren at U.S. Open

Two-times former champion Novak Djokovic overcame a lapse in concentration to beat unseeded American Tennys Sandgren 6-1 6-3 6-7(2) 6-2 and reach the third round of the U.S. Open on Thursday.

The Serb, who was also pushed to four sets in punishing daytime temperatures above 90 Fahrenheit (32C)in the first round, was far more comfortable in the evening at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, breaking early and running away with the opening set in 31 minutes.

The 31-year-old was two sets up and leading by a break in the third when he spurned a match point, allowing Sandgren to force a tiebreak that the American won easily.

The sixth-seeded Serb, who won Wimbledon this year, will face 26th seed Richard Gasquet of France in the third round.