Publication Date: 2024-08-27 15:11:00
Djokovic’s Solid Start
Novak Djokovic kicked off his campaign at the US Open with a confident straight-sets victory over Radu Albot on Monday. This marks Djokovic’s first hard-court match since March, and while he expressed satisfaction with the win, he acknowledged there’s always room for improvement.
“I think it was a solid start,” Djokovic remarked. “I struggled with my serve and the rhythm on certain shots. Overall from the back of the court, I thought I played pretty well. It’s always challenging to start, particularly when you haven’t played on this surface for five, six months.”
Challenges Ahead
Having come off a successful Olympic campaign, Djokovic is aware that the initial rounds of the Grand Slam can be tricky. “I haven’t had any official matches before the US Open,” he noted. “So I’m expecting to be probably challenged a little bit more in the opening rounds.”
He added, “Hopefully I can play better each day. The good thing about Slams is you have a day between matches where you can train, where you can really work on things and perfect your game.”
Physical Strength and Recovery
After undergoing knee surgery following Roland Garros, Djokovic returned just in time for Wimbledon and clinched Olympic gold in singles at the Paris Games. The 37-year-old confirmed he feels physically strong, stating, “The knee is fine really. I haven’t had any issues throughout the entire Olympic tournament and here first round.”
Tribute to Dominic Thiem
On a significant Day 1 in New York, Djokovic also took a moment to pay tribute to Dominic Thiem, who played what could be the final major match of his career. Thiem, a former US Open champion, has had a notable rivalry with Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head series 7-5.
“I would like to congratulate him on a great Grand Slam career,” Djokovic said. “He’s been respected, admired, and loved by his peers. The tenacity and intensity that he brings on and off the court is really remarkable.”
Next Steps for Djokovic
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face Laslo Djere in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday. As he prepares for this next challenge, the defending champion remains focused on enhancing his game and maintaining his physical condition.
For more on Djokovic’s journey in the US Open, click here.