Defending champion Novak Djokovic made a solid start to his US Open campaign on Monday evening in New York with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 triumph against Radu Albot to advance to the second round.
The second seed converted six of 16 break points he earned to wrap a two-hour, seven-minute victory in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I wanted to kick start the tournament in the right way and I think I did,” Novak said. “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. I’m still finding that groove, finding the tempo on the court.”
Match statistics: aces (8-2), double faults (10-3), winners (23-15), unforced errors (40-45), total points won (98-78).
Awaiting Djokovic in the second round is his compatriot and Davis Cup teammate, Laslo Djere, who eliminated Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany after a five-set battle (6-7, 6-1, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2).
Photo: Profimedia
