Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a straight-set victory over Radu Albot from Moldova, winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 on Monday night. This win also tied him with Roger Federer for the most match wins at the U.S. Open with 89.
The second-seeded Djokovic, who wore a gray sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee, was competing for the first time since winning an Olympic gold medal three weeks ago in Paris.
Djokovic acknowledged that starting a tournament can be tough, especially after not playing on this surface for several months and coming off an Olympic victory. He hasn’t played any official matches before the U.S. Open and expects to face more challenges in the early rounds. “Hopefully, I can play better each day,” he said.
He also mentioned that his knee feels fine after the surgery he had in early June.
The 37-year-old Serbian has a perfect 18-0 record in first-round matches at Flushing Meadows and is now 89-13 at this hard-court tournament, which he has won four times, including last year.
He has never lost before the third round at the U.S. Open. Albot, on the other hand, has never advanced past the third round in 30 major tournament appearances.
Federer, who is retired now, had a record of 89-14 at the U.S. Open and won five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008.
Djokovic and Federer have the most wins at the event among men, with only Jimmy Connors having more. Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to someone ranked as low as No. 138 Albot, who is now 0-12 against top 10 players.
