Novak Djokovic made a winning start at the US Open, ousting the young gun Learnen Tien 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, the Serb's performance raised concerns about his physical state.
The 24-time Major champion looked sharp in the opening set, outplaying his rival on serve and return and racing through it in 24 minutes. Still, the second set told a different story, as Djokovic began to struggle with endurance after long exchanges.
The Serb looked surprised by how difficult it was to recover between extended rallies. His movement and shot consistency also dipped as unforced errors crept in.
Novak required a medical timeout for a minor foot issue after the second set, which further added to the unease. He regained his rhythm in the third set and sealed the deal without spending more time on the court.
However, the brief collapse in energy levels highlighted the challenge Djokovic faceson the big scene at 38. The Serb has two rest days ahead of the next clash against another young American.
ADVERTISEMENT
He will aim to restore balance to the physical side of his game and prepare to chase a spot in the last 32. Endurance and recovery have always been among his biggest strengths, and Novak would not like to play without those aces in the sleeve.
Sustaining that level deep into best-of-fiveencounters is crucial if he is to remain a serious contender for the title and his 25th Major crown. For Djokovic, the victory was reassuring, but the battle with his body might be the greater test in New York than the rival across the net.
"I made a great start. I claimed the first set in just over 20 minutes and felt very good on the court. We embraced a couple of extended games at the beginning of the second set, and then I started feeling really bad physically.
ADVERTISEMENT
I have no idea why, and it surprised me. We had long exchanges. My level dropped a bit and caused many unforced errors, which allowed Learnen to get back into the game.
I'm glad I rebounded after the second set and played well in the third to finish the job. There are positive aspects, but I wish some things had not happened, like how I felt physically in the second set.
I hope it will not happen again because it will make my life on the court much more difficult. Luckily, I have two days off. However, things are a bit concerning. I do not have any injury or anything similar.
I just struggled to endure long rallies and recover after those exchanges. I have not played an official match in six weeks. In the end, I put one more ball in the court than Learnen in the crucial points, which made me through," Novak Djokovic said.
