Djokovic makes triumphant return to US Open

Novak Djokovic made a dominant return to the US Open on Monday, thrashing Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-0, 6-2, 6-3.

The 36-year-old Serbian star, who missed last year’s tournament due to his vaccination status, is now guaranteed to reclaim the world number one ranking from Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion, was in complete control from the start, breaking Muller’s serve eight times and winning 30 of the first 34 points he served.

The Serb was so dominant that he even earned a standing ovation from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which included former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.

“I think the performance explains how I felt tonight, particularly in the first two sets,” Djokovic said. “It was kind of lights-out tennis really, almost flawless, perfect first set.”

Djokovic’s previous match in New York was the 2021 final he lost to Daniil Medvedev, a defeat which stopped him from completing a calendar Grand Slam. He improved his first-round record at the US Open to 17-0 against Muller, who was making his main draw debut at the tournament.

Djokovic will next face Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the second round. The Spaniard is a qualifier ranked 132 in the world, but he has a good record on hard courts and will be a tough opponent.

Djokovic is the clear favorite to win the US Open and reclaim the world number one ranking. He has won the tournament three times, and he is in the best form of his career.

However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The US Open is one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams, and anything can happen.

But if Djokovic can continue playing at the level he showed against Muller, he will be very difficult to beat.

Here are some other things to keep an eye on in Djokovic’s quest for a 24th Grand Slam title:

• Can he stay healthy? Djokovic has had a history of injuries, and he will need to be fit to compete for the two weeks of the tournament.
• How will he handle the pressure? Djokovic is one of the most experienced players in the world, but he will be under a lot of pressure to win the title.
• Can he beat the other top players? Djokovic will need to play his best tennis to beat the likes of Nadal, Alcaraz, and Tsitsipas.

The US Open is sure to be an exciting tournament, and Djokovic will be one of the players to watch.

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