UPDATE: Novak Djokovic has kicked off his 2025 US Open campaign with a hard-fought victory over unranked American teenager Learner Tien, winning 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium just moments ago. This match marks Djokovic’s return to competitive play after a nearly six-week hiatus, a break he took to recharge and spend time with family.
The seven-time US Open champion appeared to struggle with rust, committing a staggering 34 unforced errors and four double faults during the match. Djokovic admitted, “I really was surprised how bad I was feeling in the second [set] physically,” as he battled through discomfort from a blister on his big toe.
The first set was quick, taking only 24 minutes to complete, showcasing Djokovic’s dominance. However, the second set turned into a grueling battle, lasting over an hour. Djokovic faced four break points as Tien’s powerful groundstrokes posed significant challenges. Despite trailing in the tiebreak, Djokovic managed to hold his nerve, ultimately sealing the set and gaining momentum moving into the third.
“It was a strange kind of match. The first set was 20 minutes, and then the second one was one hour and 20,” Djokovic remarked in a post-match interview. His ability to regain focus in the tiebreak was crucial, allowing him to close out the match with more ease in the final set.
With this win, Djokovic improves his first-round record at the US Open to an impressive 19-0. However, the 38-year-old champion emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “I can always do better, but it’s a great way to start this year’s campaign.”
Following this match, Djokovic expressed his intentions to focus on the four major tournaments that inspire him at this stage of his career. As he aims for his first major title since winning the US Open in 2023, the tennis world will be closely watching how he adapts after the lengthy break.
As Djokovic prepares for his next match, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can shake off the rust and reclaim his status at the top of the game. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the US Open progresses.