By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty
NEW YORK—U.S. Open night games are thrilling rides for fans and grueling duels for Novak Djokovic.
Grand Slam king Djokovic began his US Open title defense by beating Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night.
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Djokovic raised his US Open record to 89-13, tying Roger Federer for second-most US Open men’s victories behind the all-time leader Jimmy Connors (98-17).
The 37-year-old Serbian superstar said recovering from night matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium is more challenging as he ages.
“Well, I don’t think getting old really helps to stay up so late and play so late,” Djokovic said. “I can feel it, you know, my batteries are low right now. I’m hanging up. But it’s been a long wait, to be honest. I thought I’d be out on the field, like 8:15 p.m. because ( Sloane) Stephens was 6-Love, 3-Love serving and then all of a sudden it turns out to be a two and a half hour match or whatever.
“Yeah, you’ve got to admit it, I guess. Those are the times you get second after 7:00, 7:30 or whatever the start was. I like playing night games, but I like to start first.”
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The Olympic gold medalist said he is keen to play another night session – he would rather open the evening than close it.
“Hopefully I’ll get more chances to play at night and I’m scheduled first so we can start at a better time and finish at a better time,” Djokovic said. “I think for the fans there’s something special about this late-night ending, especially after midnight.
“For us I don’t know. It’s not really what you want, but, you know, if you get a W, then it’s all good.”
