US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic begins title defence with comfortable win over Radu Albot

Djokovic still has some room for improvement, despite his comfortable score. He made 10 double faults and 40 unforced errors, and only managed to get 47% of his first serves into play.

Playing under a covered roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic needed 33 minutes to win the first set, throwing a double break and serving out the first set.

Despite the positive start, the four-time US Open champion made angry gestures towards his players’ box during the match and appeared concerned about the damp conditions.

He was still wearing the knee brace he had been using since his surgery on that area in June.

After giving up serve early in the second set, Albot managed to break back and level the score at 2-2. Djokovic then won the next four games.

The world number 138 held Djokovic at bay for a little longer in the third set, fending off five break points. Eventually, however, the reigning champion broke through the opposition at 3-3 and secured victory as the clock struck midnight in New York.

“I like to play in the evenings, but maybe not that late,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.

“Still, it was a lot of fun and I want to thank everyone for coming.”

The victory also saw Djokovic set a new record: the most wins (78) by a male player on the main court at Flushing Meadows.

“It’s the biggest stadium. Certainly the loudest we have in the history of our sport,” Djokovic added.

“The late night sessions at Arthur Ashe are the best in the world.”