Djokovic eases into US Open second round on Arthur Ashe Stadium

Novak Djokovic's performance in the first round of the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium exemplified his stature as one of tennis's premier athletes. Facing a relatively less experienced opponent, Djokovic showcased his exceptional skill set, which includes an impressive serve and remarkable court coverage. His ability to control the pace of the match allowed him to dictate play from the outset, demonstrating why he remains a formidable presence in men's tennis.

The match unfolded with Djokovic swiftly establishing dominance, breaking his opponent's serve early on and maintaining that advantage throughout. His strategic placement of shots and relentless baseline rallies left little opportunity for his adversary to mount a significant challenge. As a result, the contest was characterized by Djokovic’s precision and tactical acumen, which are hallmarks of his playing style. Observers noted that even under pressure, he exhibited composure and resilience—qualities that have defined his career.

Returning to hard courts for the first time since Indian Wells in March and playing his first tournament since winning Olympic gold on clay in Paris three weeks ago, Djokovic didn’t bring his cleanest game to Arthur Ashe Stadium. The four-time champion threw in 10 double faults, put just 47 per cent of first serves into play and made 40 unforced errors.

Djokovic, a 37-year-old from Serbia, improved to 18-0 in first-round matches at Flushing Meadows and is now 89-13 overall at the hard-court tournament, which he's won four times, including a year ago. He's never lost earlier than the third round at the US Open; Albot never has been past the third round in 30 appearances at majors.

The retired Federer went 89-14 in New York, with five consecutive championships from 2004 to 2008. He's the most recent man to win the US Open at least twice in a row. Among men, only Jimmy Connors, who went 98-17, won more matches than Djokovic and Federer at the event.

While having never played Albot before, Djokovic said he had done his homework on the 34-year-old, who beat both his younger brothers Marko and Djordje during their playing days.

Djokovic duly avenged the family name in three sets, closing out the match with a big serve to set up an all-Serbian clash with Laslo Djere for a place in the third round.

Next up for Djokovic is a countryman, familiar opponent and friend, Laslo Djere, who advanced with a 6-7 (7), 6-1, 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jan-Lennard Struff. A year ago, Djokovic met Djere in the third round at the US Open; Djere took the first two sets before Djokovic came through in five.

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Sarah H

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