"It took longer than I would probably have wanted": Djokovic wanted to start earlier amid US Open equal prize money ceremony, but appreciates circumstances

Novak Djokovic expressed gratitude to the crowd upon his return to the US Open after two years, although he admitted he would prefer to play earlier.

Djokovic faced a special match in the first round at Flushing Meadows. Firstly, it marked his comeback to the US Open after being absent in 2022. His last match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium was in the 2021 final when he lost to Daniil Medvedev.

It was also the last match of the day, and Djokovic's victory ensured that he will reclaim the world No. 1 ranking after the conclusion of the US Open, regardless of the results that unfold in the upcoming weeks.

The Serbian player's match followed the encounter between Coco Gauff and Laura Siegemund, which lasted nearly three hours, featuring a particularly long game lasting 30 minutes. Due to the delay, Djokovic stepped onto the court for his first-round match around 11 PM.

Additionally, following the match, a ceremony took place to commemorate the 50th anniversary of equal prize money, with the presence of Michelle Obama and Billie Jean King.

‘Tonight was a special night, they had a ceremony. It took longer than I would probably have wanted,” he said in his presser.

“I knew it was going to be a late night for me, late start of the match. Nevertheless, I mean, I was excited to go out on the court. I didn't care if I started after midnight because I was looking forward to this moment for few years, to be out on the biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport, playing night session,” he added.

“I think the performance explains how I felt tonight, particularly in the first two sets. It was kind of lights-out tennis really, almost flawless, perfect first set. I've probably had the answer for every shot he had in his book. Overall, I'm very, very pleased with the way I feel, with the way I'm playing. Hopefully I can maintain that level. It's just the beginning of the tournament, but I already like the level of tennis,” he said.

Djokovic secured a convincing victory over Alexandre Muller and advanced to the second round, where he will face the Spanish player Bernabe Zapata Miralles.