Novak Djokovic kicked off his US Open title defence in fine fashion with a straight-set win at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Andy Roddick has backed Djokovic to win the US Open, but Tim Henman has backed Alexander Zverev to lift the trophy.
Djokovic clinched the prestigious title in 2023, defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6(7-5), 6-3 at Flushing Meadows.
And he kicked his defence off with a routine win over Radu Albot, defeating the Moldovan qualifier 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
The 37-year-old now faces fellow Serbian Laslo Djere in the second round, with the latter having edged past Jan-Lennard Struff in five sets.
Novak Djokovic requests schedule change at the US Open
Djokovic’s first round encounter was played in the evening in New York, with the Serbian needing to wait for Sloane Stephens to finish her meeting with Clara Burel.
Asked how he prepares for night matches, Djokovic said in his first round press conference: “I don’t think the ageing helps really! Staying so late and playing very late. I can feel my batteries are low now, I am shutting down.
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“But it’s been a long wait. I thought I was going to go on court at 8:15pm because Stephens was 6-0, 3-0 serving and all of a sudden it turns out to be a two and a half hour match.
“You just have to accept it I guess, those are instances where you are scheduled second after 7:30 or whatever the start was. I like playing night matches but I love to start first, so hopefully I get more chances to play at night and be scheduled first so we can start at a more decent time and finish at a more decent time.
“But I guess for the fans that there is something special about these late night finishes, particularly post midnight. For us, I don’t know, it’s not really what you want but if you get a W it’s all good!”
Can Novak Djokovic extend his Grand Slam record at the US Open?
Djokovic has made it through all sorts of scenarios in his phenomenal career, having played on all surfaces and at various stages throughout the day in countless venues.
He has passed every challenge put in front him, with the veteran recently adding an Olympic gold medal to his 24 Grand Slams.
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The Serbian now has the chance to go ahead of Margaret Court on overall titles, with the pair locked on 24 each.
Clinching the all-time record will be high on his agenda at Flushing Meadows, where he is the second seed.
The US Open represents his final chance to extend his stunning Grand Slam record, with Djokovic having won at least one every year since 2018.
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