NEW YORK _ Consider the zombie effect in tennis. The older folks not only won't go away _ eye roll _ but mostly continue to dominate. Prime example: Defending U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic's 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-1 second-round victory over Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero Wednesday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Notice who continues to be in charge around here. Thirty-eight-year-old Roger Federer, still alive in pursuit of a 21st men's major title. And Rafael Nadal, 33, hanging around in hopes a 19th. And Djokovic, though a relative pup at 32 but with plenty of mileage on his rubbery body and despite an aching shoulder that needed in-match treatment, still on course for Grand Slam No. 16.
Seven games into the match against Londero, who was playing in only his second Slam, Djokovic was spraying forehands and wincing on backhand swings and called for a trainer to work on his left shoulder. He has won four of the last five Grand Slam events, but at that point Djokovic suddenly looked like a goner.
