Novak Djokovic equalises Roger Federer's record after his first-round win in US Open 2024

Novak Djokovic has matched Roger Federer's record of 89 wins at the US Open with a decisive straight-sets triumph over Moldova's Radu Albot in the opening round. The Serbian, coming off a recent Olympic gold medal victory, secured a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win during the first night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. A potential championship victory would propel him to his 25th Grand Slam title, securing his place in the history books.

Novak Djokovic started his US Open title defense with a decisive 6-2 6-2 6-4 win against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot, which also brought him level with Roger Federer for wins at Flushing Meadows.

This marked the 89th victory for the history-making Serbian at the iconic venue, tying him with Federer for second place and trailing only Jimmy Connors, who has 98 wins. 

Djokovic faced no significant challenges from Albot on the first night of US Open, as he aims for his 25th Grand Slam title, capping off an extraordinary few weeks for the 37-year-old.

Djokovic's Underwhelming Season

It's the first time since 2017 that Djokovic arrived at the Flushing Meadows without a title under his belt in the same season. In the Australian Open, the Serbian suffered defeat in the semi-finals against Jannik Sinner. He pulled out of Ronald Garros's Quater Finals, thanks to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee.

He reached the finals at Wimbledon but faced defeat at the hands of his arc rival Carlos Alcaraz. He did manage to topple the Spaniard in the Paris Olympics, where he won his maiden Olympics Gold.

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It was a shaky start for the 37-year-old veteran at US Open 2024. He was 2-1 down in the opening set but slowly rose into the game and won it comprehensively. The third set went down the wire, Djokovic pulled off an important break and finished off the proceedings by holding onto his serve.

The Serbian was dominant in his first serve, but 10 double faults are something he wouldn't want to repeat, especially against higher-ranked opponents. The four-time US Open champion has his sights set on becoming the first player since Federer to defend his US crown.

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