Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff Secure Easy Wins in US Open First Round

Djokovic, the second seed and defending men’s champion, defeated Radu Albot with a convincing 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. While the Serbian superstar didn’t play his absolute best, he proved too much for his 138th-ranked opponent. Djokovic, chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, showcased his resilience by breaking Albot’s serve six times over the course of the match, extending his record to 78 match wins in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Record Crowds and Night-Time Thrills

As the match concluded just before midnight, Djokovic spoke about the energy of the New York night crowd. "The night sessions here are the best in the world," he said, soaking in the electric atmosphere provided by a record-breaking audience. The US Open saw 74,641 fans in attendance on Monday, setting a single-day record for the tournament, with over 31,775 attending the night session alone.

Djokovic, who is looking to become the first man since Roger Federer to win consecutive US Open titles, wasn’t flawless, committing 10 double faults and 40 unforced errors. However, his unmatched ability to control the tempo and take advantage of key moments kept him on top. The Serbian star, despite a challenging season, has his eyes on another title, starting this year's campaign with a solid win.

Coco Gauff Shows Title-Defending Form

On the women’s side, American sensation Coco Gauff had a nearly flawless start to her US Open defense, sweeping past Varvara Gracheva 6-2, 6-0. The 20-year-old delivered a dominant performance, firing 10 aces and securing victory in just 66 minutes. Gauff’s solid serve saved all eight break points she faced, including two in the final game.

Reflecting on her performance and the pressure of defending her title, Gauff said, "It is definitely a lot of pressure at this tournament, but I’m just enjoying it." Gauff, seeded third in the tournament, shared that she’s trying to bring the same energy from last year’s breakthrough victory. "Last year was incredible, and I’m carrying those vibes forward."

Gauff, despite an erratic season, appeared focused and determined in her first-round match. She struggled earlier this summer, including early exits in Toronto and Cincinnati, but seems ready to re-establish her form at this year’s US Open.

Looking Ahead

Both Djokovic and Gauff now move on to the second round, where they’ll continue their pursuit of another Grand Slam title. Djokovic remains the favorite in the men’s draw despite some early-season setbacks, while Gauff will be looking to build on the momentum from her opening match.

With record crowds and thrilling night matches, the 2024 US Open is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament, as tennis fans continue to cheer for their champions.