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.
But none of that hindered him in a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over Radu Albot.
“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.
But he still cruised against Albot, saying his surgically-repaired knee is OK.
“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.”