Novak Djokovic, seeking a record 25th major title, overcame a “physical struggle” to defeat American teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 in the US Open first round.
The 38-year-old Serb, returning after a six-week break, admitted he was “surviving on the court” during the second set but used his experience to secure his 75th consecutive first-round win at a Grand Slam.
Meanwhile, American hopes are high as Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz also advanced. The two are the first American men to be seeded in the top eight at the US Open since 2007.
Their victories signal a resurgence for American men’s tennis as they aim to end the country’s 22-year drought for a men’s singles champion.
