Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a 6-1 7-6 6-2 victory over American teenager Learner Tien on Sunday at the US Open.
The 37-year-old was in full control early, taking the first set in just 20 minutes, but the match quickly became more complicated. In the second set, Djokovic struggled with his balance and footwork, committing close to 20 unforced errors. Though Tien pushed him hard, the Serbian found his way through a tense tie-break to seize a two-set lead.
“It was a little bit of everything today,” Djokovic admitted. “I started well, then lost my rhythm, lost my balance a few times. Credit to him for making it tough, but I managed to step up when it mattered.”
Djokovic called for the physio to address a bloodied toe after slipping while returning serve, and throughout the match he appeared to labor more than usual between points. Despite being broken early in the third set, the 24-time Grand Slam champion responded with five games in a row to close out the contest in two hours and 28 minutes.
For Tien, the 19-year-old qualifier earned admiration from the Ashe crowd with his resilience, particularly in the second set. The American lefty showed flashes of creativity and composure on the biggest stage of his young career.
What It Means For His 25th Major Bid
While Djokovic advanced without dropping a set, the questions surrounding his form and fitness remain. The Serbian’s movement appeared less fluid than in past opening rounds, and extended rallies often left him visibly drained.
That could prove decisive as the tournament progresses, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both lurking in the draw. Alcaraz has already shown his explosive game translates well to New York, while Sinner’s consistency and ability to absorb pace have troubled Djokovic in recent meetings.
For Djokovic, the path to Slam No. 25 will likely demand sharper execution and a cleaner physical bill in the coming rounds. If Sunday’s uneven showing was just opening-night nerves, his title push remains on track. But if the fitness concerns persist, the challenge of holding off tennis’s new leading duo becomes significantly greater.
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
