New York: Novak Djokovic began his US Open title defence in style with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in first round action here Monday.
The top-seeded Serbian, who has claimed four of the last five Grand Slam titles, took some time to settle in to his first career meeting with Carballes Baena but after a tight first set was off to the races.
“Obviously getting out of the block it takes a little bit of time to feel comfortable on the court,” Novak Djokovic, who beat Juan Martin del Potro in last year’s final, said in his on-court interview. “But we’re moving on. Obviously it’s not the first time to be in the second round so I know what I need to do.”
Novak Djokovic got an early break to go ahead 2-0 in the second set and never looked back as the three-time champion here used a mix of deft volleys, solid movement and great instincts to remain undefeated in 14 career first-round matches at the US Open.
Carballes Baena looked up for the task early on as he fought off a trio of breakpoints to hold for 1-1 in a game that lasted nearly 10 minutes. The Spanish World No. 76 kept up the fight and was serving at 4-5 in the opening set but Novak Djokovic sent a backhand volley to an empty court to set up a pair of breakpoints and converted on his first chance.
“It’s great to be back,” Djokovic said. “I’m grateful that at this stage of my life and career I am still competing at a Grand Slam at a high level. “We sometimes have to remind ourselves of these blessings.”
It was a bad debut Monday for India’s Prajnesh Gunneswaran at the US Open. He got a taste of high level tennis in his first round exit, losing to World No.5 Daniil Medvedev in straight sets here.
The gulf between Prajnesh Gunneswaran and top 10 players were wide and apparent as he lost 4-6, 1-6, 2-6 to the Russian. The Indian left-hander began aggressively but could not maintain intensity after losing the well-fought first set at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday.
The pressure induced unending unforced errors from Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who was trying too hard. He had the heart to fight but lacked experience of playing at this level against the best in business. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old from Chennai has competed in all Grand Slams this season, though he is yet to win a round in the singles main draw.
Agencies