Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Year : 2, Issue: 34
Novak Djokovic began his campaign to win a record 25th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets win over Radu Albot at the US Open on Monday.
The four-time champion, playing for the first time since claiming Olympic gold two weeks ago, defeated the Moldovan qualifier 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
Djokovic arrived on Arthur Ashe Stadium for his 40th career night match at the tournament with two gold bags slung over his shoulder in a nod to his recent Olympic success in Paris.
The 37-year-old, who has lost his Australian and French Open titles this year, was barely troubled by 138th-ranked Albot who has never defeated a top 10 player.
His straightforward victory was also a record 78th on the sport’s biggest court.
Second seed Djokovic broke for a 3-2 lead in the opener and was a break to the good in the third game of the second.
Albot rallied to level but the Serb superstar raced away with the next four games to open a two sets lead.
Djokovic broke again for a 4-3 lead in the third and wrapped up victory shortly before midnight.
Source: AFP
