Novak Djokovic faces Mikhail Youzhny in the third round of the 2016 US Open on Friday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
Djokovic hopes his second round walkover would help him restore some of his mojo for his Round of 16 clash with Youzhny. With Jiri Vesely pulling out of the US Open due to a left forearm injury, Djokovic gets some needed rest to realign his title defense campaign.
Aside from a left wrist injury that's been bothering Djokovic, more concerns over the Serb's form were raised after calling for the ATP World Tour trainer to work on his arm during his first-round match against Jerzy Janowicz. According to Djokovic, he is taking the injury day by day, but looks forward to perform better for the rest of the tournament.
"To be honest, I take it day by day," Djokovic said, reports ESPN. "That's what I feel at the moment. It's good, as I said, just to finish the match. I'm pleased that as the match progressed I was feeling better and better."
"I hope that I'll feel overall good so I'm able to perform at my best for the next match."
Djokovic leads Youzhny by 6-3 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head career singles matchup, winning all of their last five meeting. Their most recent outing was back in 2014 at the Dubai Open, where Djokovic advanced into the semifinals of the tournament after a walkover against Youzhny.
With a much-needed break, Djokovic should be the favorite over Youzhny, who ranks No. 61 in the world, but the Belgrade native may not expect any walkover from the 34-year-old Russian.
The winner between Djokovic and Youzhny could face either American John Isner or Great Britain's Kyle Edmund. Isner managed a four-setter against Steve Darcis 6-3 6-4 6-7(10) 6-3, while Edmund defeated Ernesto Escobedo 7-5 6-4 6-4.
Live streaming info and score updates
Watch US Open 2016: Novak Djokovic vs Mikhail Youzhny live via WatchESPN or visit the US Open's official website. Live scores will be available during game days at the US Open's official website.