Novak Djokovic didn’t play notably properly at his debut on the 2024 US Open, however he defeated Moldavian veteran Radu Albot in three fast units. The previous world #1 has taken up the long-lasting Arthur Ashe Stadium and is about to boost his degree within the subsequent rounds.
The Serbian champion is enjoying his first event on the laborious courtroom from the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, having missed each the Montreal Masters 1000 and the Cincinnati Masters 1000. After profitable the gold medal on the Paris Olympics, the 37-year-old from Belgrade has chosen to relaxation to be prepared for the final Grand Slam of the season. Novak – who’s chasing the twenty fifth Main of his superb profession – will attempt to win the title in New York for the second 12 months in a row by breaking a curse that lasts for 16 years. Within the subsequent spherical, Nole will face his compatriot Laslo Djere.
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Djere – who eradicated Jan-Lennard Struff within the first spherical – performed an incredible match towards Djokovic final 12 months on the US Open, shedding in 5 units after main for 2 units to zero. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will want his finest tennis to get far on this event, the place there are various opponents who wish to shock.
Nole had a very good begin
Novak Djokovic had a very good begin on the 2024 US Open, confirming himself as one of many foremost favourites for the win in New York and proving to be in good bodily situation.
Through the press convention after his win over Albot, Nole revealed that he doesn’t prefer to play within the evening session: “Being a veteran would not assist me in any respect to play till so late as a result of proper now, I really feel like I am low on power, it is as if my battery is working out. I assumed I might be on the courtroom round 8:30 p.m., and immediately the match lasted two and a half hours. This stuff occur once you’re assigned the second slot of the evening session, it’s important to settle for it. I like the evening periods right here, however within the first slot. I hope to be scheduled in that slot for upcoming matches to complete at a good time.”
He additionally commented on his efficiency: “It has been a very good begin. It took me a while to search out my serving and the best ball rhythm, however my groundstrokes had been good. It is by no means straightforward to kick off a Grand Slam, particularly when you have not performed any matches on this floor earlier than. I hope to enhance every day. The advantage of these occasions is that you may prepare on the time without work and work on issues, which I want proper now. I am going to maintain striving to get higher. As for the knee, it is high-quality, I have never had any points because the Olympics, so contact wooden.”
Djokovic continues to be hungry
Regardless of profitable loads and finishing the puzzle by profitable on the Paris Olympics, Novak has expressed his need to proceed competing for a lot of extra years and wish to beat youthful gamers. Djokovic grew to become the participant who gained essentially the most matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium: “I wasn’t conscious of it to be sincere. It’s the largest stadium. Undoubtedly the loudest we now have within the historical past of our sport. The evening periods are one of the best on the earth on Arthur Ashe. Ever because the roof was launched it grew to become even louder. Electrical ambiance. Unbelievable power. Clearly with some new guidelines this 12 months with the group capable of transfer round, there are plenty of issues taking place on courtroom. We’re clocking midnight proper now. I like evening seasons, possibly not this late, however nonetheless it was nice enjoyable.”
He additionally added: “I needed to kick begin the event in the best approach and I feel I did. Some ups and downs which I feel is regular, getting the rust off your shoulders coming off a special floor and the Olympic Video games. I haven’t performed on laborious courts for six months, so I’m nonetheless discovering that groove.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion continues to be very aggressive on the highest ranges and is able to win crucial titles, as he already confirmed on the Paris Olympics. The previous world #1 has but to win a Main this 12 months and the US Open is his final probability in 2024. Nole will strive laborious to win this event and write the historical past of this sport once more. The 37-year-old from Belgrade must pay specific consideration to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who cut up the three Grand Slam tournaments performed in 2024.
