Novak Djokovic started his US Open title defence with a bang after seeing off Moldovan veteran Radu Albot in straight sets.
It’s lucky that after a career of Olympic turmoil, Novak Djokovic looks quite good in gold.
Sauntering on to court for the evening match, the defending champion carried two golden bags as well as a golden smile.
A court that has seen him win four US Open titles, the Serb began his quest for a fifth in style.
Despite a few teething problems mainly on his serve, Djokovic didn’t come across too many problems, despite this being his first competitive match on the hard courts since Indian Wells in March.
A record-breaking 10 days in Paris has now been quickly followed up by a brand new achievement.
Novak Djokovic now has the best career-win percentage in the Arthur Ashe stadium
The usual suspects hang around at the top of the standings: Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who together have 11 singles titles in New York.
However with Djokovic’s latest win, he leapfrogs his Swiss rival into top spot.
He now has the best career winning percentage for any player ever—male or female—in Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a minimum of 25 matches played.
He’s now 78-11, or .876, breaking a tie with Roger Federer, who’s 77-11, or .875.
Both astonishing records in their own right, Djokovic will be expected to improve on that record, with both an easy-ish draw, as well as all his remaining matches likely taking place on the main court.
With its capacity for over 23,000 spectators, Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world.
Who is Novak Djokovic’s next opponent?
It’s an all Serbian affair in round two and an interesting one at that.
Last year’s run to the final was near faultless, with Djokovic only dropping two sets throughout the entire tournament.
His next opponent, Laslo Djere was the only player who came close to the 24-time major champion, as Djokovic was forced to come back from two sets down last year.
Djere had already beaten Jannik Sinner in Cincinnati before coming close to Djokovic in New York.
A less impressive streak this summer however hasn’t seen Djere tot up as many high-profile wins.
His opener against world number 35 Jan-Lennard Struff lasted just shy of four hours, with the Serbian able to clinch the final two sets to win in five.
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