Novak Djokovic defeated Radu Albot in the first round of the US Open to start his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam singles championship.
Djokovic would hold the record for the most major singles titles if he were to win one more major. Right now, he and Margaret Court are knotted on 24.
In the 37-year-old’s first match since winning Olympic gold 23 days ago, he prevailed 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. The winner of nearly every tennis championship, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, called the victory in Paris his “biggest sporting achievement.” Despite having won a Grand Slam tournament every year since 2017, he is still vying for his first one this year.
The reigning champion Djokovic made light of his desire to “avenge” his two younger siblings, Djordje and Marko, who had previously suffered defeats at the hands of Moldova’s Albot. It was Djokovic’s first time facing Albot. “I feel like there was so much at stake—I feel like there was revenge for my younger brothers,” the Serbian player later told ESPN. On Wednesday, he will take on fellow countryman Laslo Djere in the second round.
Novak Djokovic begins his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles championship in 2024.
Despite the easy victory, Djokovic still has room for improvement. He made 40 unforced errors, and 10 double faults, and only 47% of his first serves were used. Djokovic required 33 minutes to win the first set while playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium under a covered roof. He had to double break once before serving out the opening set.
The four-time US Open champion was troubled by the humid weather and made angry gestures towards his player’s box during the match, despite the good start. He continued to wear the knee brace he had been using since the June operation on the affected area.
Albot tied the match at 2-2 in the second set after giving up the first game of the set. Djokovic then won the next four games.
In the third set, the world number 138 held off Djokovic for a little while longer, saving five break points. However, the defending champion eventually broke through the resistance at 3-3 and won as the clock struck midnight in New York.
In the interview conducted on the court, Djokovic stated, “I love playing night sessions, but maybe not this late.”
“Nevertheless, it was great fun, and I want to thank everyone for staying.”
With the triumph, Djokovic was also able to break the record for the most wins (78) held by a male player on the main showcourt at Flushing Meadows. The largest stadium is this one. It’s unquestionably the loudest in our sport’s history,” Djokovic continued.
Novak Djokovic’s wife and children’s
Jelena Djokovic, née Ristić, is the spouse of Novak Djokovic. After meeting in high school, the pair began dating in 2005. They tied the knot in a ceremony performed in Montenegro on July 10, 2014, having become engaged in September of 2013.
Together, they are parents to two children:
Stefan Djokovic: On October 21, 2014, their son Stefan was born.
Tara Djokovic: On September 2, 2017, their daughter Tara was born.
Jelena is a prosperous businesswoman and a humanitarian. She works with the Novak Djokovic Foundation, a group committed to enhancing Serbian children’s education, as the National Director.
Close-knit, the Djokovic family is well-known, and Novak frequently talks about how important his family is to him on a personal and professional level.
Novak Djokovic US Open
Novak Djokovic has had a remarkable history at the US Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Here’s a summary of his journey at the event:
US Open Titles
Djokovic has won the US Open four times:
- 2011: Djokovic won his first US Open title by defeating Rafael Nadal in the final.
- 2015: He claimed his second title by defeating Roger Federer in the final.
- 2018: Djokovic won his third US Open, again defeating Juan Martín del Potro in the final.
- 2023: Djokovic secured his fourth title by defeating Daniil Medvedev.
Runner-Up Finishes
Djokovic has been the runner-up at the US Open six times:
- 2007: Lost to Roger Federer in the final.
- 2010: Lost to Rafael Nadal in the final.
- 2012: Lost to Andy Murray in the final.
- 2013: Lost to Rafael Nadal in the final.
- 2016: Lost to Stan Wawrinka in the final.
- 2021: Lost to Daniil Medvedev in the final.
Notable Moments
2011: Djokovic’s victory over Roger Federer in the semi-finals, where he saved match points with a stunning forehand return, is considered one of the most iconic moments in US Open history.
2020: Djokovic was disqualified from the tournament after accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball during his fourth-round match.
With his victory at the US Open, Djokovic solidified his place among the greatest tennis players of all time. His ability, tenacity, and mental toughness are demonstrated by his steady success at Flushing Meadows throughout the years.
