Novak Djokovic surprisingly took aim at his US Open opponent Radu Albot before a comfortable first-round victory over the Moldovan star.
Albot had previously defeated Djokovic’s two brothers, Marko and Djordje, but had never faced the four-time champion before their meeting on Arthur Ashe.
Speaking before his 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory, the Serb vowed: “Both of my younger brothers faced him and they both lost to him, so hopefully I can avenge my brothers tonight…”
Djokovic has picked and won battles against some of tennis’ greatest ever players, including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, while more recently forging a rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, but he was keen to get one over on the world No. 138.
Albot had previously defeated both of Djokovic’s younger brothers within a two-year span in 2012 and 2013. He first beat Marko 6-4, 6-3 at the Sarajevo Indoor Hard tournament.
The following year he put Djordje to the sword 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the Bergamo Indoor Hard event, both at the last 32 stage, giving their older brother plenty of motivation heading into Flushing Meadows.
For the world No. 2 on his first match as an Olympic gold medallist, a solid performance earned Djokovic the title of most victories on Arthur Ashe by any man in history, surpassing Federer.
Standing at 5’9, Albot was unable to match the physicality of his opponent who was brimming with confidence, with the promise of family revenge on his mind Stateside.
After initially struggling with his first serve, Djokovic ground down Albot and was able to secure a comfortable victory to set up a second-round clash with compatriot Laslo Djere.
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