A spectator in the stands of the Arthur Ashe Stadium annoyed top favorite Novak Djokovic at the US Open more than his second-round opponent without a chance.

After the 6: 2, 6: 3, 6: 2 against the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, the tennis world number one complained about the fan who was constantly trying to disturb him - apparently with success in front of a devious smash.

After losing his service game, the Serb replied on Thursday (local time) with a break and then called out to the audience: "How do you like that?"

He also spoke to the chair umpire about the spectator's bad behavior. The fact that the fans in New York sometimes do not behave as reserved and conforming to the rules as those in Wimbledon is not new. "That wasn't nice, that's all," said Djokovic. “The noise doesn't bother me. Don't get me wrong, it's important for entertainment, for the audience, for the music. The guy I pointed to knew exactly what he was doing, that's all, ”explained the 34-year-old.

On the way to the Grand Slam - winning the four most important tournaments in one season - Djokovic is only five wins short, the next one should follow against the Japanese Kei Nishikori.

Alexander Zverev could stand in his way, as he did recently at the Olympics in Tokyo.

In the second round, the Hamburger had cleared the Spaniard Albert Ramos-Viñolas 6: 1, 6: 0, 6: 3 and will meet the American Jack Sock this Saturday.

"A difficult match"

For the first time, Oscar Otte is in the third round of a Grand Slam tournament. The 28-year-old from Cologne defeated US professional Denis Kudla 6: 4, 6: 4, 6: 2 and now meets veteran Andreas Seppi. The 37-year-old South Tyrolean surprisingly eliminated Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz from Poland. "A difficult match because he is very experienced and plays uncomfortably," said Otte of Seppi, with whom he played in the Bundesliga together in Cologne.

Above all, the world number 144 was happy.

about his progress after having first had to fight his way through the qualification.

“It's a great feeling to be in the third round of a Grand Slam.

Now things really start, ”said Otte, who didn't mind the support of the audience for his American opponent.

"Because I played so well, I didn't give the audience so much the chance that they could make a little noise," explained Otte.

Angelique Kerber and Peter Gojowczyk are already challenged this Friday.

On the Grandstand (5.00 p.m. at Eurosport) against the Swiss Henri Laaksonen, the Munich-based man can calculate his chances of making it into the round of 16 when comparing two qualifiers.

Kerber faces a difficult task in the third match of the day at the Louis Armstrong Stadium (not before 10 p.m. at Eurosport).

The resurgent North German meets in the third round duel of two former US Open winners against the previously strong American Sloane Stephens.

“She is one of the most talented players on the tour.

It's very hard to beat on a good day, ”said Kerber of 28-year-old Stephens, who is currently only number 66 in the world.

“She is at home, she always plays incredible tennis here.

She has won here before, she knows how it works here. "

In the 6: 3, 6: 2 against the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, Kerber was able to save energy on Thursday. The match had been postponed for one day due to the heavy rain on Wednesday. Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova reached the third round with a hard-fought success and after defending a match ball. The Czech defeated the American Amanda Anisimova just before midnight with 7: 5, 6: 7 (5: 7), 7: 6 (9: 7).