Novak Djokovic claims record-breaking win on Arther Ashe Court
By Jonathan Veal, PA, New York
Novak Djokovic was crowned the king of Arthur Ashe after his first-round win at the US Open.
The four-time champion beat Radu Albot in straight sets to claim a record-breaking 78th win on the main showcourt at Flushing Meadows.
The 6-2 6-2 6-4 victory over the qualifier also sees him level with Roger Federer on 89 wins at the US Open.
He said: “I wasn’t aware of it to be honest. It’s the biggest stadium, definitely the loudest we have in the history of our sport.
“The night sessions are the best in the world on Arthur Ashe and ever since the roof was introduced it became even louder. Electric atmosphere. Incredible energy.
“Obviously with some new rules this year with the crowd able to move around, there are a lot of things happening on court.
“We’re clocking midnight right now. I love night sessions, maybe not this late but nevertheless it was great fun.
“I wanted to kickstart the tournament in the right way and I think I did.”
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Dominic Thiem’s grand slam career is over after losing in the first round of the US Open to American Ben Shelton.
The 30-year-old is retiring after his home tournament in Vienna in October and was given the red-carpet treatment at Flushing Meadows, the venue of his one grand slam win in 2020.
Thiem was handed a wild card and the honour of opening Arthur Ashe on the first day of the tournament but succumbed to a 6-4 6-2 6-2 loss to American 13th seed Ben Shelton.
The Austrian, who has been besieged by injuries in recent years, said he is “happy” about his retirement and is looking forward to life after tennis.
“I was struggling enough in the last years, especially since I was not able to come back to my level,” he said.
“But once I took the decision this year in March, from this moment on I was happy about it.
“Obviously I was also able to kind of prepare already for this new chapter that is coming soon.
“I always loved playing on tour, and I was very patient about it, but honestly, I also always really enjoyed being home and to have, as much as it was possible, a normal life at home.
“And that’s why I really look forward to this one now, that the normal life is now coming.
“That’s why I think it’s not that difficult for me, and that’s why I’m really also happy with my decision.”
There were wins for fourth seed Alexander Zverev, former Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini and eighth seed Casper Ruud on the opening day in New York.
Holger Rune was the biggest casualty of the day as he crashed out to American Brandon Nakashima.
The 15th seed won just seven games as Nakashima recorded a 6-2 6-1 6-4 success.