Djokovic marks winning return at US Open

New York: Twenty-four time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic made a triumphant return to major competition, overcoming spirited teenager Learner Tien in the first round of the US Open on Monday IST.

Djokovic, seeded seventh, defeated the 19-year-old American 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Making his first appearance since Wimbledon, the 38-year-old Serb began strongly, dropping just one game in a 24-minute opening set. However, Tien, making his night-session debut at Ashe, fought back with solid baseline play and the support of the home fans, even earning a set point in the second set. Djokovic dug deep, saving it and capturing the tiebreak, before regaining full control in the third set after receiving treatment for a blister.

“I think it was key for me to really hold my nerves in the second set and clinch that in a tiebreak,” Djokovic said after the match. “After that I began feeling better. I know I can always do better, but it’s a great way to start this year’s campaign.”

The victory extends Djokovic’s remarkable record of first-round dominance at Grand Slams. He has not lost an opening-round match at a major since the 2006 Australian Open, improving his streak to 75 consecutive wins at this stage.

The Serb, chasing the milestone of becoming the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the professional era, will next face American qualifier Zachary Svajda in the second round.