Novak Djokovic praises his first win and praises Thiem’s ​​career | ATP Tour

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Djokovic praises his first win and praises Thiem’s ​​career

The Serbian defeated Albot in three sets

August 27, 2024

Novak Djokovic was happy with his start at the US Open on Monday, but is aware that he still needs to improve. The reigning champion played his first match on hard court since last March in Indian Wells, but looked comfortable in New York to beat Radu Albot in three sets in his debut.

“I think it was a solid start,” Djokovic said. “I struggled with my serve and with the pace on some shots. Overall, from the baseline, I think I played pretty well. The start is always a challenge, particularly when you haven’t played on the surface for five or six months and you’re coming off an Olympic gold and playing on clay. I haven’t had any official matches before the US Open, so I expect to be tested in the early rounds for sure.”

“I hope I can play better every day. The good thing about Grand Slams is that you have a day between matches where you can train, work and perfect your game. That’s what I need. That’s what I feel I need. So I’m going to go to the training court.” [este martes] and work on the things that didn’t work during the game and continue to strive to improve.”

The Serbian underwent knee surgery after Roland Garros last June but returned in time to compete at Wimbledon before claiming Olympic gold in the singles event at Paris 2024. At 37, he is now aiming to extend his Grand Slam record to 25.

“My knee is fine,” Djokovic said reassuringly. “I didn’t have any problems throughout the Olympics or here in the first round.”

On an emotional first day of competition, former PIF ATP Rankings No. 3 Dominic Thiem played the final Grand Slam match of his career. The Austrian, who won the 2020 US Open title, was involved in a thrilling Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry against the Serbian.

“I would like to congratulate him on a great Grand Slam run,” said Djokovic, who leads Thiem 7-5 in the head-to-head. “He is one of the nicest guys on the circuit for many years. He has been respected. He has been admired. He has been loved by his teammates, his colleagues and everyone on the circuit.”

“He has worked hard over the years and I think he has been a great example for many players who see what goes on, let’s say, behind the success. He always works a little bit harder, and the tenacity and intensity he has both on and off the court in everything he does is really remarkable.”

The seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion will play in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday against his compatriot Laslo Djere.