Novak Djokovic began his U.S. Open title defense by cruising to a straight sets win that wasn’t perfect but was dominant.
The Serb’s serve was off, he was playing on hardcourts for the first time since March and his advanced age was catching up to him with the late start.Frances Tiafoe digs deep in gutsy US Open win over Aleksandar KovacevicSloane Stephens crashes out of US Open with epic first-round collapse in loss to Clara Burel
“It was a solid start. Look, I struggled with my serve and the rhythm on certain shots,” Djokovic said. “It’s always challenging to start, particularly when you haven’t played on this surface for 5, 6 months and coming off an Olympic gold and playing on clay. I haven’t had any official matches before U.S. Open. So I’m expecting to be challenged a little bit more in the opening rounds.”
Djokovic — seeking a 25th major to break Margaret Court’s all-time record — had 10 double faults, had 40 unforced errors and got just 47 percent of his first serves in.“The knee is fine really. I haven’t had any issues throughout the entire Olympic tournament and here first round. Knock on wood, it’s all good,” said Djokovic, who next faces fellow Serb Laslo Djere. “It’s a guaranteed third round for one of the Serbian guys. Hopefully it’s going to be me.
Sports Novak Djokovic Us Open Tennis
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. Open: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz on opposite sides of the drawThe men’s finalists at Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics could only meet in the final; defending women’s champion Coco Gauff is seeded third
Read more »
US Open full of intrigue as Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic court historyFrom American Coco Gauff’s title defense to Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of tennis immortality, this U.S. Open teases tons of intrigue down the line.
Read more »
U.S. Open 2024: Defending champ Novak Djokovic suffers injury scare ahead of tournamentU.S. Open 2024: Defending champ Novak Djokovic suffers injury scare ahead of tournament
Read more »
US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic eyes 25th Grand Slam titleNovak Djokovic is back on the Grand Slam scene after finally earning his first Olympic gold medal. Djokovic is the defending champion at the U.S. Open and is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam singles trophy.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic's drive for 25th major top storyline in intriguing US OpenBut the biggest story of all at this year’s U.S. Open might be the biggest star of all: Novak Djokovic.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic serves in night session on US Open Day 1Get ready for the U.S. Open before play begins with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about how to watch the year's last Grand Slam tennis…
Read more »