Novak Djokovic Kicks off Grand Slam Record Bid With Straight Set Win

Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a straight-set win at the US Open. He defeated qualifier Radu Albot of Moldova 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 on Monday night. The second-seeded now tied Roger Federer with his 89th match win at Flushing Meadows.

This start will lead Novak Djokovic into the second-round match against his fellow Serbian Laslo Djere. Djokovic is still on his way to potentially meet American Ben Shelton in the quarter-final. Shelton had begun his quest with a straight-set win 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 against Dominic Thiem earlier on Monday evening.

Photo byBen HersheyonUnsplash

Novak Djokovic Still Lacked His Golden Touch

Three weeks after claiming the Golden Slam with the gold medal of the Paris Olympic Games, Djokovic lacked his golden touch in the night match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 37-year-old Serb struggled with serve and racked up almost twice as many unforced errors as winners.

However, Novak Djokovic had more than enough weapons to handle Radu Albot in their first tour clash. The No.2 seed improved to 18-0 in first-round matches at the US Open. He is now 89-13 overall at the hard-court tournament, which he has won four times, including last year. The 37-year-old had tied Roger Federer with his 89th win at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic has never lost earlier than the third round at the US Open. He also has never lost a Grand Slam match to someone ranked as low as No. 138 Albot.

Radu Albot has never been past the third round in 30 appearances at majors, nor defeated a top 10 player. So, Djokovic still made it through his first round although he didn’t seem to be at his best form. Wearing a gray sleeve over his surgically repaired right knee, Djokovic was competing for the first time since claiming his gold medal at the Paris Games.

There are Areas to Improve on Novak Djokovic

Despite the comfortable scoreline against Albot, Novak Djokovic hit 10 double faults and 40 unforced errors. He is also putting just 47% of his first servers into play. According to BBC, despite the positive start, the four-time US Open champion gestured angrily towards his player’s box throughout the match and appeared to be bothered by the humid conditions.

Playing under a closed roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic needed 33 minutes to win the opening set. Djokovic got Albot’s resistance in the second set with a break and level at 2-2. But, Djokovic managed to claim the next four games. Albot kept Djokovic at bay for slightly longer in the third set, but the reigning champion wrapped up victory as the clock struck midnight in New York.

“I love playing night sessions but maybe not this late,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. He still found it fun and thanked everyone who was staying to watch him play. This victory also allowed Djokovic to set another record – the most wins (78) by a male player on Flushing Meadows’ main court.

Another Test for Novak Djokovic in the Second Round

Novak Djokovic will face his countryman. familiar opponent and friend. Laslo Djere. The fellow Serbian advanced to the second round with a 6-7 (7), 6-1, 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jan-Lennard Struff. Last year, Djokovic met Djere in the third round at the US Open. Djere took the first two sets before Djokovic came through in five.

“It’s a guaranteed third round for one of the Serbian guys. Hopefully, it’s going to be me. But Djere is a guy that likes playing on a big stage. I think he also loves the conditions here. It’s a bit quicker. The ball stays low. He has a very flat backhand particularly and very good serve, and great return. He’s physically as fit as anybody,”

Djokovic is eyeing several milestones in New York, including a fifth title at Flushing Meadows. This will match the record held by Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, and Roger Federer. He also hopes to become the first back-to-back winner in the men’s singles since Federer’s run of five successful titles from 2004-2008.

For More Great Content

Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.

Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!

Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.

Article originally written by Tania Rompas