Novak Djokovic Sets US Open Record but Rune and Sakkari Fall
US Open
August 27, 2024
Novak Djokovic is still rewriting the record books at the US Open as he continues to defy time in stunning style.
It was no great surprise that the Olympic champion outgunned Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in their opener.
But Novak’s latest victory on Arthur Ashe brought his total to 78 wins in that special arena – surpassing the great Roger Federer.
Djokovic now ties with Federer on 89 US Open wins overall, joint second to the legendary Jimmy Connors on 98.
But it’s beating Federer’s record on Ashe that appeal to the Serb most as he moves into the twilight of his career.
Novak Djokovic may yet go looking for one final Grand Slam win at Wimbledon 2025.
For now, however, his focus is on trying to claim a 25th major in this current tournament in New York. And the early historic landmark was more than welcome.
Novak said: ‘I wasn’t aware of it to be honest. It’s the biggest stadium, definitely the loudest in the history of our sport. The night sessions are the best in the world on Arthur Ashe.
‘I wanted to kick-start the tournament in the right way and I think I did.’
Djokovic has opened in a way that night sound like a subtle warning to his rivals.
And Novak will have one less star player to contend with at Flushing Meadows, because the fifteenth seed is already out.
Holger Rune went down to Brandon Nakashima in straight sets. The American had already been flagged as a potential banana skin for the troubled Dane.
But Nakashima’s 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 romp in less than two hours was worrying indeed for Rune, who has experienced a difficult year on court.
Meanwhile Maria Sakkari’s hopes of glory at the US Open have ended for another year. She had missed the Olympics with a shoulder injury, which returned to haunt her.
Wang Yafan had taken the first set 6-2 anyway. And no amount of medical attention could persuade the Greek that her body would hold up for the rest of the contest. She duly retired.
Novak Djokovic and his extraordinary consistency are even more impressive when you think how many first-round shocks we get at Grand Slam events. Expect more at Wimbledon 2025!
And poor Sloane Stephens knows to her cost that nothing is ever certain in tennis. She won her first nine games against Clara Burel, who suddenly stormed back to win 0-6, 7-5, 7-5.
Supreme sporting theatre is an integral part of top tennis. That’s why we love it so much!
You can book with us already for Wimbledon 2025 – and then look forward to some classic English drama next summer. We’re only a phone call away.