On Sunday, Novak Djokovic kicked off his bid to equal the record of 25 Grand Slam titles by beating American teenager Learner Tien in a straight-sets match, in the first round of the US Open.
After being a bit shaken in the middle of the match and getting a medical timeout, the 38-year-old Serbian managed to win under the floodlights at Arthur Ashe Stadium 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2.
By scoring one winner after another, Djokovic went through the first set in just 20 minutes, thus starting in a very fast manner. Nevertheless, Tien took advantage of the lost focus in the second set and at 5-4 managed to get a break-point opportunity.
But Djokovic was not about to let go of his serve and, extending the match to a tie-break, forced his experience and shot variety to be the deciding factors.
As Djokovic was receiving treatment for what looked like a blister on his right foot, the third set was temporarily stopped. The break seemed to give him new energy as he went on to lead 5-1 in a very strong manner.
Tien, however, did not go down easily as he saved a match point and got his break back, but immediately Djokovic replied with another break to finish off the encounter.
Afterwards, Djokovic said to the New York spectators, “I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy.” The next opponent will be American qualifier Zachary Svajda whom he will meet in round two.
