US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic Begins Quest For Grand Slam Record With Easy Win Over Qualifier Radu Albot

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Novak Djokovic on Monday (August 26) started his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a straight sets victory over qualifier Radu Albot in the US Open 2024 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, USA.

The second seeded Serbian eased to 6-2 6-2 6-4 win against the world no. 138 from Moldova in the men's singles first round match that lasted an hour and 7 minutes as the defending champion returned to the court after his Olympic triumph.

Three weeks after winning the singles title at the Paris Olympic Games, Djokovic took to the centre court in New York where the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd gave the four-time US Open champion a hero's welcome.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion faced a challenge from the Moldovan qualifier early in each set, struggling with serve and racked up nearly twice as many unforced errors as winners.

The Serb, however, had the tools to down Albot to claim a record 78th win at Arthur Ashe under a closed roof. 78 wins is most for a male tennis player on the main court at the Arthur Ashe stadium, but Djokovic was unaware of the milestone.

"I was not aware of it, to be honest with you," Djokovic said of the centre court milestone. "It's definitely the loudest stadium we have in the history of our sport. The night sessions are the best in the world here."

Djokovic also tied Roger Federer for second-most wins at the event in men's history with his 89th win in US Open. With a 89-13 record in New York, Djokovic now only trails Jimmy Connors (98-17) on the US Open's all-time list.

The 37-year-old will now hope to carry on his winning ways to keep his record Grand Slam bid alive when he returns to the court for the second round match against countryman Laslo Djere, who earned a comeback, five-set win against Jan-Lennard Struff.