Novak Djokovic, the tennis great, continues his impressive career with another milestone: he has now achieved the most wins on Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. Djokovic, freshly crowned career Golden Slam winner after his success at the Olympic Games in Paris, started the defense of his title in Flushing Meadows with a confident victory.
On Monday, he defeated qualifier Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round on the prominent court. That win was Djokovic’s 89th at the US Open, with 78 of those coming on Arthur Ashe Stadium – a new record for most wins by a man on the court.
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This puts him level with Roger Federer in second place for most wins at the US Open, behind record holder Jimmy Connors, whose record of 98 wins is secure for at least another year. “I honestly wasn’t aware of the record.
It’s the biggest stadium. Definitely the loudest we have in the history of our sport,” Djokovic explained. “The night games are the best in the world at the Arthur Ashe. Since the roof was introduced, it has become even louder.
Electric atmosphere. Incredible energy.”
Djokovic’s start into the tournament
Although Djokovic broke twice in the first set, three times in the second and once in the third, Albot found his game in the second set and achieved a serve break.
Djokovic also extended his record for most first-round wins at Grand Slams to 71 – well ahead of Roger Federer in second place with 65 wins and Chris Evert in third place with 56.
However, the second-seeded Serb admitted that he still needs to improve his game as he made 40 unforced errors, served 10 double faults and hit only 47 percent of his first serves. “It’s my first match on hard court in months, a win is always welcome,” said Djokovic.
“I wanted to start the tournament off right and I think I did. There were ups and downs, which I think is normal when you shake the rust off your shoulders after playing on a different surface and in the Olympics.” “I haven’t played on hard courts for six months, so I’m still finding my rhythm and the pace on the court,” he added. Djokovic will face fellow countryman Laslo Djere in the second round.
