Novak Djokovic made a triumphant entry onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for his first match as an Olympic champion, carrying gleaming gold bags that highlighted his achievement from the summer Games in Paris. As he celebrated his recent success, Djokovic quickly shifted his focus to the US Open, where he successfully began his title defense by defeating qualifier Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, advancing to the second round. This victory brought his record to 78 wins on Ashe, making him the most successful male player in history at this venue.
After his Olympic triumph, Djokovic took time to savor the moment before preparing for this final grand slam of the year. Unlike his typical post-victory routine, where he would quickly regroup for upcoming tournaments, the 37-year-old took a leisurely approach to celebrate what he describes as his greatest achievement. He spent several days in Paris celebrating with fellow Serbian medalists and was warmly welcomed in Belgrade by large crowds of supporters, where he engaged with fans while riding through the city.
This US Open marks Djokovic’s first hard court tournament since March, making it just the fourth hard court event he has played this year. As he seeks to regain his form on the surface, he has been given a favorable draw, with key rivals Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev positioned in the opposite half of the tournament bracket.
In his first-round match against Albot, a Moldovan qualifier who has fluctuated between the No. 50 and 150 rankings throughout his career, Djokovic initially struggled with his serve but soon took control. He dominated with his powerful shots and consistent play, ultimately securing a convincing victory.
Djokovic acknowledged the challenges of starting a tournament on a different surface after several months away. “It’s always challenging to start, particularly when you haven’t played on this surface for five, six months,” he noted. He expressed hope that, with time, he would improve match by match, wishing to perfect his game during the brief hiatus between matches that grand slams provide for training.
After undergoing knee surgery nearly three months ago, Djokovic displayed impressive mobility on the court, noting that he has experienced no issues during his recent competitions. “The knee is fine really,” he said, reassuring fans of his physical condition as he prepares for his next match against compatriot Laslo Djere, who reached the second round after a five-set victory over Jan Lennard Struff.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is aware of the implications of facing another Serbian player but remains confident in his abilities. “It’s great for Serbian tennis that two Serbian players are facing each other,” he remarked.
With a complete collection of tennis honors now to his name, Djokovic faces the challenge of staying motivated as he seeks to secure a record 25th grand slam title. He insists his competitive spirit remains undiminished, stating, “I still feel the drive, I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour.”