By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday August 26, 2024
Novak Djokovic defeated Moldova's Radu Albot for his record-breaking 78th career win on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Photo Source: TTV
The quest for a 25th major singles title is underway and making way for Novak Djokovic. The Grand Slam eased past Radu Moldova on Monday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium to book his spot in the second round, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
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By doing so, Djokovic also becomes the all-time leader in wins recorded on Arthur Ashe Stadium with 78.
It was a relatively uncomplicated victory for Djokovic, his 376th career Grand Slam victory coming together in two hours and seven minutes to set a second-round clash with Serbia’s Laslo Djere.
That match will be a rematch of the pair’s heated battle in 2023 – Djokovic rallied for a 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 victory over his compatriot in the third round last year, and went on to claim his fourth US Open title.
On Monday Djokovic began his drive for a record-tying fifth US Open title with a solid performance, even if it lacked a little sizzle from the service stripe. The 37-year-old only made 47 percent of his first-serves and was broken once from three opportunities. But he managed to hold sway over the 138th-ranked qualifier, thanks to six breaks of serve from 16 break opportunities.
Djokovic hit 23 winners against 40 unforced errors on the day, while Albot hit 15 winners and 45 unforced errors.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was more than good enough for Djokovic to feel confident as he competes on hard courts for the first time since Indian Wells in March.
"I wanted to kick start the tournament in the right way and I think I did," Djokovic told ESPN after his win. "Some ups and downs which I think is normal, getting the rust off your shoulders coming off a different surface and the Olympic Games.
"I haven't played on hard courts for six months, so I'm still finding that groove, finding the tempo on the court."