Novak Djokovic is off to a winning start at his 80th Major in New York. The veteran faced the young American Learnen Tien in the first round of the US Open and earned a 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 victory in two hours and 25 minutes.
Novak's duel at Arthur Ashe Stadium was his 38th encounter against the home players at Majors and a mind-blowing 37th victory! His ability to thrive in the toughest atmospheres has been another feature that defines the Serb's greatness.
Djokovic is on a staggering 37-1 run in these encounters since 2006, with the lone defeat coming against Andy Murray in the 2013 Wimbledon final. The legend suffered a heavy loss in that one before bouncing back and winning the next 20 encounters against the home rivals.
Few players in history have handled the challenge of playing against a rival carried by the crowd as effectively as the Belgrade native. From Melbourne to Paris, London to New York, the Serb has turned those environments into showcases of his resilience.
It has been on for nearly two decades, and the fire still burns at 38. Novak has faced home players in Australia four times, thirteen in Paris, seven in Londonand fourteen in New York.
With nearly every occasion, the narrative has been the same - the louder the crowd carried his rival, the sharper Djokovic's focus becomes. The record is remarkable due to his consistency and the mental strength.
It's never easy to compete when the crowd is against you, especially against the rivals from the top. However, Novak is built different! He feeds off the energy and uses it as fuel to elevate his game and overcome the rival and the crowd.
Whether it's silencing Rod Laver Arena, overcoming the frenzy of Court Philippe-Chatrier or taming Arthur Ashe Stadium, like a few nights ago, Djokovic has shown he is at his best when the atmosphere is most hostile.
