Djokovic begins title defence with straight sets victory

Novak Djokovic began his title defence at the US Open on Monday night with a straight sets victory.

The 37-year-old Serbian who won gold medal at the 2024 Olympics games in Paris three weeks ago, started his campaign by defeating Romanian Radu Albot in their first Lexus ATP meeting 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe stadium.

Djokovic didn’t bring his best game to Arthur Ashe Stadium, as he was playing in his first tournament since winning the gold medal at the Olympics on clay in Paris and making his first trip back to the hard court since Indian Wells in March.

“I wanted to kick start the tournament in the right way and I think I did,” Djokovic said on ESPN. “Some ups and downs which I think is normal, getting the rust off your shoulders coming off a different surface and the Olympic Games.

The four-time US Open winner committed 40 unforced errors, 10 double faults, and only 47% of first serves into play.

Djokovic seemed unfazed in his first appearance on hard courts since winning the gold medal in the Olympic singles competition in Paris, when he completed the career Golden Slam.

“I haven’t played on hard courts for six months, so I’m still finding that groove, finding the tempo on the court.”

With the victory, Djokovic has now moved leveled with Roger Federer for most wins at the US Open (89), second only to Jimmy Connors (98).

Djokovic will next face fellow Serbian Laslo Djere, who defeated German Jan-Lennard Struff in five sets in the second round on Wednesday.