Novak Djokovic makes quick work of first foe at the US Open

• Novak Djokovic has begun his pursuit of the US Open 2023 title with victory over first opponent Alexandre Muller
• Djokovic will replace young rival Carlos Alcaraz as the men’s world number one after his win today

Novak Djokovic has begun his pursuit of the US Open 2023 title with victory over first opponent Alexandre Muller. The Serbian has booked his spot in the second round in blistering fashion following the 6-0 6-2 6-4 victory on Tuesday morning.

Djokovic will replace young rival Carlos Alcaraz as the men’s world number one after his win today. He will spend a record-extending 390th week at the top of the ATP rankings.

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his match against Alexandre Muller. Photo/ Loop Jamaica – Loop News.

The Serb has been on fire this season, winning the Australian Open and the French Open titles. He also reached Wimbledon final, where he lost to Alcaraz. However, he appears to have buried that loss deep in his mind and is now in the hunt for the final Grand Slam of the year.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz cannot meet at the US Open this year until the final because they are the top two seeds. Alcaraz won last year’s edition in Djokovic’s absence. It was his first Grand Slam.

Speaking after victory over Alexandre Muller on his first match at the 2023 US Open, Novak Djokovic said he played great and liked the level.

“I started tremendously well, we started quite late but nevertheless I was excited to go out on the court – it has been a couple of years. In the second and third sets I dropped the level of my serve and I had to work for the points a bit more. Nevertheless I played great and I liked the level.” Novak Djokovic is quoted by BBC Sports. 

How The Game Unfolded

Djokovic was not allowed to compete in the United States last year because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19. The 36-year-old has now returned with the aim of winning the US Open title. He knows winning the title will be a record-equalling 24th major, matching Australian Margaret Court’s all-time tally.

Djokovic got to work on a high note and an immediate break in the opening match set him on his way. He followed it with two breaks and a pair of easy holds before serving out the set in less than 25 minutes. He won the set 6-0, receiving no response from his opponent.

Novak Djokovic broke again at the start of the second set on his third break point. At this point, anyone could have judged that Muller had been overwhelmed by Djokovic, who was heading towards victory.

Novak Djokovic has started his pursuit for the US Open title with victory over France’s Alexandre Muller. Photo/ Sky Sports.

However, the Frenchman managed a love hold and got on the board. A smiling Muller raised both arms in celebration as the Arthur Ashe crowd applauded his effort.

Nonetheless, the 26-year-old could not stop Djokovic from moving further ahead. The Serb eventually claimed the second and the third set. He needed just one hour and 34 minutes to complete the work.