Tennis: Rusty Djokovic starts Grand Slam record attempt with Albot defeat | WSAU News/Talk 550 AM · 99.9 FM

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic’s bid to win his 25th Grand Slam title began on Monday with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory over qualifier Radu Albot in the first round of the U.S. Open as the defending champion returned to the court following his Olympic triumph.

Three weeks after winning the singles title at the Paris Games, Djokovic lacked his golden touch in the night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, struggling to serve and making almost twice as many unforced errors as Winner.

But the 37-year-old Serb had more than enough weapons to keep the Moldovan journeyman at bay in their first meeting on the tour.

Although he had never played against Albot, Djokovic said he had done a lot of research on the 34-year-old, who had beaten both his younger brothers Marko and Djordje during his playing days.

Djokovic avenged the family name in three rusty sets, closing the match with a strong serve to set up an all-Serbian clash with Laslo Djere for a place in the third round.

Djokovic is level with Margaret Court with 24 Grand Slam titles and will be hoping to improve his game if he wants to break the record at Flushing Meadows.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)