Djokovic returns to World No. 1 with dominant victory over Alexandre Muller in US Open first round
ATPTuesday, 29 August 2023 at 06:41
Novak
Djokovic regains the world No. 1 ranking after overwhelming Alexandre Muller in
the first round of the US Open by 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.
The
36-year-old tennis player embarked on his journey at the US Open with the
challenge of advancing past the first round of the tournament, following his
absence in the 2022 edition due to pandemic-related restrictions that prevented
Djokovic from entering the US due to his vaccination status.
The 23-time
Grand Slam champion also entered the tournament knowing that a victory would
secure his return to the world No. 1 ranking, regardless of the outcome
achieved by Alcaraz in the US Open.
Djokovic's
most recent match was in the Cincinnati Open, where he became the champion by
defeating Alcaraz in an epic final with a score of 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4).
His
opponent in this match was the Frenchman Alexandre Müller, ranked world No. 84.
Müller, who alternates between ATP and challenger tournaments, arrived at the
US Open with six consecutive losses since his advancement to the first round of
Wimbledon, where he defeated his compatriot Arthur Rinderknech.
Djokovic
dominated from the outset of the match. In the first set lasting only 24
minutes, 'Nole' was unstoppable, winning 76% of the points played and
comfortably securing the set 6-0.
The Serbian
player began the second set with a new break, allowing him to regain the lead.
Müller managed to hold his serve in the third game, ending an eight-game
consecutive winning streak for Djokovic.
The 23-time
Grand Slam champion secured another break to lead 4-1, before conceding his
serve for the only time in the match. 'Nole' remained composed and won the
following two games to seal the set 6-2.
Müller
found consistency in his serve in the final set, keeping the match competitive
until the score was tied 3-3, when Djokovic secured another break. Only needing
to defend his serve, the new world No. 1 achieved victory in just an hour and
thirty six minutes, closing out the match with a final score of 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- PRIZE MONEY & POINTS Winner - $185,500 Finalist - $114,500 Semi-Finalist - $66,003 Quarter-Finalist - $35,000 Round of 16 - $18,045 Round of 32 - $13,005 Winner - 500 Finalist - 325 Semi-Finalist - 195 Quarter-Finalist - 108 Round of 16 - 60 Round of 32 - 1DaveyWavey20-09-2026
- Pegula withdrew from this Singapore event
tennishappens19-09-2026 - Serena Williams chose her tournaments. It's not such a bad idea.MuswellHillbilly17-09-2026
- This child is just too fragile. Step away from tennis for a year. Get healthy, get fit; train hard;ranking be damned, and come back as strong contender. Anisimova did it. So can Emma.Rapunzel17-09-2026
- Double standards, what can be said!? Venus is p**ing on media and public. Can't face defeat. Cowerdness! Shouldn't be given any other wild cards ever. That's gross disrespect.DragosJacob16-09-2026
- Anywhere is better than Saudi Arabia!DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- He'd be a perfect coach for Rafael Jodar.DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- This financial 'chump-change' means nothing to Saba. Her vacuity likely cannot fathom the "problem" with her unprofessional actions and reactions in general. The racquet smash is not my focus. My focus was/is on her distasteful, totally unprofessional, disgusting facial expressions and eye-rolls while standing behind Elena as she spoke on the podium. This woman needs a degree of therapy for her True Attitude(s). She is not fooling anyone within the WTA circles with her post-match winner "humor" and smiley behavior. Her True Self comes out when losing a set/match and as a runner-up on the podium.
mandoist16-09-2026 - When will this repetitive "news" and wishful thinking stop?mandoist16-09-2026
- WTA has been unfairly ignoring Elena ever since Wimbledon. Arguably biased against her. Same with the most major sponsors whom normally pounce on the Wimbledon Winners for sponsorship. Didn't happen. Her unfair treatment was always in Lena's subconcious; how she was largely ignored after Wimbledon. Her sister helped her a lot during that period. Next came illnesses and minor injury. A lot of time was lost, and physical (mental?) issues were frequent, as she fought through the absurdiy and general nonsense brought-on by her coach/partner. He was a Loser then, he's a Loser still. Although he has lowered his attitude, volume, and non-stop yapping from the box since he wore the organizations out with his non-stop legal letters begging for mercy and ultimately fully reinstated. Rybakina deserves all the accolades others have enjoyed and more for her strength and will to succeed. Hope it continues.mandoist15-09-2026
Loading
