Serb manages physical issues to beat Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2
Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th grand slam title
Novak Djokovic delivered a lesson in grand slam tenacity to Learner Tien in the first round of the US Open, battling past the American teenager 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2 to launch his latest quest for a record 25th major title.
Competing in his first singles match since his run to the Wimbledon semi-finals last month, the 38-year-old Serb swapped the whites for a sleek all-black outfit and managed physical issues to prevail under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights.
Djokovic, seeded seventh, shrugged off a time violation to consolidate an early break at the start of the contest and a heated debate with the chair umpire shortly afterwards only spurred him on to wrap up the opening set in double quick time.
