US Open 2024: Djokovic kicks off Grand Slam record bid with Albot thrashing
The HinduNovak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title kicked off on Monday with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over qualifier Radu Albot in the U.S. Open first round as the defending champion returned to the court after his Olympic triumph. Three weeks after winning the singles title at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic lacked his golden touch in the night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium as he struggled with serve and racked up nearly twice as many unforced errors as winners. Djokovic duly avenged the family name in three rusty sets, closing out the match with a big serve to set up an all-Serbian clash with Laslo Djere for a place in the third round. Level on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court, Djokovic will hope for better from his game as he looks to take the record outright at Flushing Meadows.