Novak Djokovic commenced his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open with a commanding victory over Radu Albot in the first round. The Serbian superstar, currently tied with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles at 24, is aiming to secure his place as the undisputed leader in tennis history.

At 37 years old, Djokovic continues to defy expectations, showcasing the resilience and skill that have defined his career. His 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over Albot marked his first appearance on the court since capturing Olympic gold in Paris 23 days earlier, a feat he described as his “biggest sporting achievement.” However, the US Open presents a new challenge for Djokovic, as he seeks his first Grand Slam title of the year, having maintained a streak of winning at least one major annually since 2017.

US Open winner betting odds

Djokovic’s path to victory was not without its moments of tension. Despite the relatively straightforward scoreline, he committed 10 double faults and 40 unforced errors, with only 47 percent of his first serves landing in play. These statistics indicate areas for improvement as the tournament progresses. Additionally, the humid conditions under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium seemed to bother Djokovic, who was seen gesturing in frustration towards his player’s box throughout the match. He also continues to wear a knee support, a reminder of the surgery he underwent in June.

Djokovic’s historic night at flushing meadows

Despite these challenges, Djokovic’s experience and determination were evident. The opening set, which he clinched in just 33 minutes, saw him take a double break before serving out with ease. Albot, ranked 138th in the world, briefly threatened to make a contest of it by breaking back in the second set to level at 2-2, but Djokovic responded with four consecutive games to secure the set. The third set proved more competitive, with Albot fending off five break points before Djokovic finally broke through at 3-3. The match concluded as the clock struck midnight in New York, a time that Djokovic humorously noted in his post-match interview. “I love playing night sessions, but maybe not this late,” Djokovic quipped, acknowledging the endurance required to perform at such an hour. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude to the fans who stayed to support him, emphasising the unique atmosphere of the US Open’s night matches. “It’s the biggest stadium, definitely the loudest we have in the history of our sport,” he added, lauding the electric energy of the Arthur Ashe crowd. This victory also allowed Djokovic to set yet another record, achieving the most wins (78) by a male player on Flushing Meadows’ main showcourt. As he advances to face compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round, Djokovic’s sights remain firmly set on history. With every match, the stakes grow higher, not just for the title, but for the legacy of one of tennis’s greatest champions. Djokovic’s journey at the US Open is more than just a quest for another trophy; it is a battle to cement his status as the most successful player in the history of the sport.

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