Djokovic made to work for US Open 1st round match win

New York, US, Aug 31 (EFE).- Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic made a labored Tuesday start to the US Open, the last Grand Slam tournament of the year, with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 win against Danish teen Holder Rune.

The world no. 1, who is aiming to complete a calendar Grand Slam at the US Open and clinch a record-breaking 21st major title to overtake Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, took two hours and 15 minutes to defeat Rune, ranked 145th, who reached the main draw through qualifiers.

Djokovic, 34, got off to a quick start and won the first set 6-1 in 26 minutes.

But the 18-year-old Danish tennis player broke the world no. 1 to take a 3-0 lead in the second set.

Although Djokovic got back into the set, he was unable to force a tiebreaker and ended up losing the set 5-7.

However, he regained control to wear down his cramping opponent over the next two sets and clinch the match.

Djokovic’s second round opponent will be 121st-ranked Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, who defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

This will be their first meeting. EFE

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