Match Response

Djokovic displays on opening win & praises Thiem

Serbian defeated Albot in straight units

August 27, 2024

Novak Djokovic was comfortable along with his begin on the US Open on Monday however is conscious there may be enchancment to make. The defending champion was enjoying his first hard-court match since March in Indian Wells however appeared comfy in New York en path to a straight-sets win towards Radu Albot.

“I believe it was a strong begin,” Djokovic mentioned. “I struggled with my serve and the rhythm on sure photographs. Total from the again of the court docket I believed I performed fairly effectively. It is at all times difficult to begin, significantly when you have not performed on this floor for 5, six months and coming off an Olympic gold and enjoying on clay. I have not had any official matches earlier than [the] US Open. So I am anticipating to be in all probability challenged somewhat bit extra within the opening rounds.

“Hopefully I can play higher every day. The advantage of Slams is you’ve a day between matches the place you possibly can prepare, the place you possibly can actually work on issues and excellent your recreation. That is what I want. That is what I really feel like I want. So I’ll hit the observe courts [on Tuesday] and work on issues that have not actually labored through the match and hold striving to be higher.”

The Serbian underwent knee surgical procedure following Roland Garros in June however returned in time to achieve the ultimate of Wimbledon earlier than he received Olympic gold in singles on the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old, who’s chasing a record-extending twenty fifth main, confirmed he’s feeling bodily sturdy.

“The knee is ok actually,” Djokovic mentioned. “I have not had any points all through the complete Olympic match and right here first spherical.”

On a busy Day 1 in New York, the previous No. 3 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings Dominic Thiem performed the ultimate main match of his profession. The Austrian, who received the US Open in 2020, loved an enthralling Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry with the Serbian.

“I want to congratulate him on an important Grand Slam profession,” mentioned Djokovic, who leads Thiem 7-5 within the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head sequence. “Simply one of many nicest guys on the Tour for a few years. He is been revered. He is been admired. He is been liked by his friends, by colleagues, by everybody on the Tour.

“He put in a lot work over time and I believe he was an important instance for a lot of gamers that see what’s taking place, so to say, behind the scenes. He at all times places within the further work, and the tenacity and depth that he brings on and off the court docket in every part he does is one thing actually exceptional.”

The seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Djokovic will play Laslo Djere within the second spherical in New York on Wednesday.