Novak Djokovic began his quest to become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam titles by beating Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Having completed a career Golden Slam by winning all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal, Djokovic is aiming for a 25th major title, which would see her surpass Margaret Court as the all-time record holder.
The world number two, who is expected to become the first player to successfully defend his New York title since Roger Federer in 2008, comfortably won 6-2 6-2 6-4 over Albot to secure a record-breaking 78th win on Flushing Meadows' main show court.
“To be honest, I didn't know. It's the biggest stadium and definitely the loudest stadium in the history of our sport,” said the 37-year-old Serb.
“The night sessions at Arthur Ashe are world class and have only gotten louder since the roof was introduced. Electric atmosphere. Amazing energy.
“This year there are new rules that allow the crowd to move freely and there is a lot going on on the court.
“We're running towards midnight now. I love the night sessions. It wasn't this late, but it was still really fun.
“I wanted to start the tournament the right way and I think I did that.”
The four-time US Open champion was fully equipped to take on the experienced Moldovan in his first match.
Djokovic has never played against Albot before, but said he has studied the 34-year-old, who beat both his brothers Marco and Jorge during their playing days.
Djokovic avenged his family name in three sets, finishing the match with a big serve that set up a showdown for the Serbian. Laszlo Seele To advance to round 3.
The story of the tape
Stevens is eliminated and teenage star Jovic wins
Clara Burel After dropping a bagel in the first set, she rallied to defeat 2017 champion Sloane Stephens 0-6 7-5 7-5 to open the season at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Burell appeared flustered by the attention in New York, but she kept her composure and brushed aside her early clumsiness to outlast her experienced opponent and advance to the second round, where she will face Victoria Azarenka.
“I was a little nervous at first and Sloan did really well,” said Frenchman Burel. “I kept fighting and found a way.”
Burell became the first player in the Open era to win a women's singles match at the US Open 0-6 7-5 7-5 and only the second player to do so at a Grand Slam tournament since Marta Marrero did so at the French Open 24 years ago.
Second seed Arina Sabalenka She won her 24th WTA level match on hard courts with a 6-3 6-3 win over Priscilla Horn in 2024.
“I didn't play my best tennis, but I fought for every point today and tried to use shots that worked,” said the 26-year-old, who came to New York after winning the title in Cincinnati.
“I wasn't feeling my best on the court today, but I'm happy I was able to win in straight sets, especially against someone like her… she's a really tough player. She played really aggressive and great tennis today. It wasn't easy to face her in the first round.”
Teenager Iva Jovic stuns Magda Linette in round 1.
Iva JovicThe 16-year-old from California became the youngest American to win a women's main draw at Flushing Meadows since 2000, beating Poland's Magda Linete, a 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, 6-4 6-3.
“I was surprised, but not surprised,” Jovic said of the result. “I just had a plan of what I was going to do before I started, and I didn't have to make a lot of crazy adjustments because it was going well, so I just stuck with it.
“I want to be the best I can be,” Jovic added. “Just get better every day, honestly. Keep working hard. I'm on a good path, but there's a lot of work to be done.”
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