US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic starts title defense with comfortable win over Radu Albot

Despite his comfortable result, there are still areas for Djokovic to improve: he made 10 double faults and 40 unforced errors and only got 47% of his first serves into play.

Playing indoors at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic needed 33 minutes to win the first set, taking a double break to lead before serving out the first set.

Despite the positive start, the four-time US Open winner gesticulated angrily towards his player box throughout the match and seemed bothered by the damp conditions.

He was still wearing the knee brace he has been using since his surgery on that area in June.

After losing serve at the start of the second set, Albot broke and equalized at 2-2 before Djokovic won the next four games.

The world number 138 held Djokovic at bay for a little longer in the third set, fending off five break points, but the reigning champion finally broke the resistance at 3-3 and secured the victory as the clock struck midnight in New York.

“I love playing night sessions, but maybe not that late,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

“Nevertheless, it was great fun and I would like to thank everyone for staying.”

With the victory, Djokovic also set another record: the most wins (78) by a male player on the main show court at Flushing Meadows.

“It’s the biggest stadium. Definitely the loudest in the history of our sport,” Djokovic added.

“The night sessions at Arthur Ashe are the best in the world.”