Title defense underway: Novak Djokovic overpowers Albot in US Open start

Successful debut for Novak Djokovic at the US Open, begins title defense with a dominant win over Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. The Serbian played his first match on hardcourt after winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games.

The 24-times Grand Slam champion took to the court with a knee brace following reports of physical issues during his previous training sessions. Despite some inconsistencies in his serve, he delivered a commanding performance to defeat Albot in his return to Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In the opening of the match, both players held their serves for a few games. However, once Djokovic sharpened his return game, everything began to tilt in his favor. After being tied at 2-2, the defending champion secured two consecutive breaks and, after saving a couple of break points against him, took the set 6-2.

Nole struggled to regulate his first serve, hitting only 39% in the first set (along with 3 double faults), far below Albot's 72%, though he was much more effective. The Serbian won 68% of his service points compared to just 56% for his opponent, who struggled with Djokovic's deep returns.

In the second set, Djokovic maintained his intensity, quickly pressuring his opponent's serve and securing the first break. The surprise came when Albot broke back immediately in the next game, leveling the score at 2-2. However, these were the only moments of contention against Nole in the set, as the Serbian won the next four games in a row.

With a 57% first-serve percentage, Djokovic found a smoother rhythm and looked comfortable in long rallies. The Serbian was more effective in most of the lengthy exchanges and capitalized on Albot's constant unforced errors (16) to take the set again 6-2.

Despite everything seeming against the Moldovan in the third set, Albot displayed his best form in the final part of the match. He saved several break points to stay ahead on his serve, managing to keep the score tied at 3-3. However, a shaky service game allowed Djokovic to take the break he needed.

The World No. 2 had no trouble with his serve, showing consistency in the final part of the match and closing out the win 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 after just two hours of play. In the second round, he will face his compatriot Laslo Djere (No. 109), who surprised Jan-Lennard Struff (No. 35) in a five-set battle.