27 august 2024 : Defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round of the US Open with a straight-sets win against qualifier Radu Albot on Monday, while Coco Gauff began her title defense in the women’s draw with a decisive victory.
Djokovic, who is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title and his first since last year’s triumph at Flushing Meadows, did not display his highest level of play. However, he proved to be more than capable against the 138th-ranked Albot, breaking his serve six times en route to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory.
This match marked Djokovic’s record-setting 78th win on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he remarked that the “electric” atmosphere of the night session was unparalleled.
“The night sessions here are the best in the world,” Djokovic stated, concluding a day that attracted a record attendance of 74,641, as reported by the US Tennis Association. This figure included a day-session crowd of 42,886 and a night-session record of 31,775.
“There’s an incredible energy, and with the new rule this year allowing the crowd to move around, there are many exciting developments,” added the four-time champion.
Seeded second behind Jannik Sinner, Djokovic is striving to become the first man to win consecutive titles in New York since Roger Federer achieved five consecutive US Open victories from 2004 to 2008.
Following an emotional victory at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic has yet to secure a Grand Slam title this year. Despite recording 10 double faults among 40 unforced errors, he maintained control throughout the two-hour and seven-minute match, which concluded just before midnight.
American Ben Shelton commenced the action on Ashe with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over 2020 champion Dominic Thiem.
Shelton’s triumph marked an end to Thiem’s Grand Slam career, the Austrian having announced he would retire at the end of 2024 after several injury-plagued seasons.
“I just want to say thanks for all the support,” Thiem told fans. “It’s been 10 years since I first played here, I had my greatest success on this court.”
Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany needed four sets to get past lucky loser Maximilian Marterer 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2.
Sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev beat Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 and eighth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway advanced with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2 win over China’s Bu Yunchaokete.
Ruud next faces French veteran Gael Monfils, who beat Diego Schwartzman 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in the Argentinian’s final Grand Slam appearance as he heads into retirement.
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the second round with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon.
Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, seeded eighth, eased into the second round with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory over Spanish qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera.
Olympic women’s singles gold medallist Zheng Qinwen of China, seeded seventh, rallied from a set down to beat Amanda Anisimova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.