Novak Djokovic has won the US Open four times.
Photo: EFE – JUSTIN LANE
Novak Djokovic began his participation in the 2024 US Open this Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, defeating Moldovan Radu Albot in the first round. The Serbian, world number two, won the match in three sets (6-2, 6-2, and 6-4).
For Djokovic, this is his eighteenth appearance at the US Open. He made his debut in this competition in 2005 and has won the tournament four times since then, most recently last year, when he became the male tennis player with the most Grand Slam titles, with 24.
In the first round, Moldovan Albot, ranked 138th in the world, offered Djokovic a competitive game with effective serving during his early games. However, the Serbian was sharp with his serves and, after rallying a bit, managed to decipher his opponent, breaking to take the first set in just over half an hour.
In the second set, the Moldovan improved, but still lost it 6-2. Nevertheless, it took Djokovic longer to gain control, and he lost precision on his serve. Although he performed better than his rival throughout the night, it became increasingly difficult for him to overcome Albot.
The third set was the most competitive and extended (53 minutes). Albot managed to protect his serve better, but he lacked effectiveness with the few break points he generated. It also helped Djokovic that, despite facing difficulties, he broke and that was enough to secure the victory.
Nole did not have the easiest of nights, but he was efficient in the most critical moments of the match. Radu Albot had a match that improved as it went on, but could do little against the experience and quality of his opponent. Nevertheless, he left the court to a well-deserved ovation.
Djokovic will face his compatriot Laslo Djere (ranked 109th in the world) in the next round, who caused one of the day’s surprises by defeating German Jan-Lennard Struff (ranked 35). The match is scheduled for this Wednesday. The winner of that matchup will face the winner of the clash between Alexei Popyrin and Pedro Martínez.
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