US Open: Novak Djokovic Overcomes Moldovan Qualifier Radu Albot at Arthur Ashe Stadium
Defending champion Novak Djokovic gets off to a victorious start. Watch the US Open until September 8th, live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+, included with Sky TV and available on the Now streaming service and the Sky Sports app.
By Raz Mirza in Flushing Meadows, New York
Novak Djokovic began his quest to become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam titles with a dazzling victory under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot.
Having already completed his career Grand Slam, winning all four major titles and an Olympic gold, Djokovic is now aiming for his 25th major crown, which would surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record. The 37-year-old Serbian, aiming to become the first player to successfully defend his title in New York since Roger Federer in 2008, secured a comfortable 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Albot to achieve his 78th win on the main court, setting a record.
Djokovic, matching Roger Federer’s record of 89 wins, said, “I honestly wasn’t aware of it. It’s the biggest stadium, certainly the loudest stadium we have in the history of our sport.”
“Night sessions here are the best in the world on Arthur Ashe, and since the roof was introduced, the sound has gotten even louder. The atmosphere is electric, with incredible energy,” Djokovic added. “Obviously, with some new rules this year allowing the crowd to move around, there are many things happening on the court.”
“We are approaching midnight now. I love night sessions, maybe not this late, but it was still a lot of fun,” he said. “I wanted to start the tournament in the right way, and I think I did that.”
The four-time US Open champion had enough in his arsenal to deal with the Moldovan player in their first-ever meeting.
Although Djokovic hadn’t faced Albot before, he mentioned that he did his homework on the 34-year-old, who had defeated his younger brothers, Marko and Djordje, in the past.
Djokovic avenged his family name in straight sets, finishing the match with a big serve to set up an all-Serbian showdown with Laslo Djere for a spot in the third round.
Albot vs. Djokovic: Match Stats
Aces: 2 (Albot) – 8 (Djokovic)
Double faults: 3 (Albot) – 10 (Djokovic)
First serve win percentage: 58% (Albot) – 74% (Djokovic)
Second serve win percentage: 38% (Albot) – 57% (Djokovic)
Break points won: 1/3 (Albot) – 6/16 (Djokovic)
Total winners: 15 (Albot) – 23 (Djokovic)
Unforced errors: 45 (Albot) – 40 (Djokovic)
Total points won: 78 (Albot) – 98 (Djokovic)
Sloane Stephens was knocked out when young star Clara Burel fought back from a first-set loss to defeat the 2017 champion 0-6, 7-5, 7-5, kicking off the opening night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Burel looked nervous under the lights in New York, but after settling down and shaking off some early errors, she outplayed her more experienced opponent to set up a second-round clash with Victoria Azarenka.
“I was a little nervous at first, and Sloane was playing really well,” the French player Burel said. “I didn’t give up and ultimately found a way.”
“Burel became the first player in the Open Era to win a women’s singles match after losing the first set 0-6, then winning 7-5, 7-5.” In her match, second seed Aryna Sabalenka claimed her 24th WTA-level hard-court win of 2024 by defeating Priscilla Hon 6-3, 6-3.
The 26-year-old, who came to New York fresh off a title win in Cincinnati, said, “I think even though I didn’t play my best, I fought for every point and tried to use every good shot I had today.”
“I’m happy that even though I didn’t feel my best on the court today, I was able to win in straight sets. Especially against a player like her, a very tough opponent. She played aggressive, great tennis today. It wasn’t easy to face her in the first round.”
“I’m surprised, but not shocked,” Juvic said about his result. “I had a clear plan before we started, and everything was going smoothly, so no drastic adjustments were needed.” So just kind of sticking with that.”
Juvic added, “I want to be the best I can be. Just getting better every day, honestly. Just keep working. I’m on a good path, but there’s still a lot to do.”
This was only Burel’s second win overall in a Grand Slam after Marta Marrero at the French Open 24 years ago.