Holder Djokovic safely into U.S. Open second round
Aug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in the first round on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic began his U.S. Open title defense in style with a 6-4 6-1 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in first-round action on 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.
Aug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA;
Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits to Roberto
Carballes Baena of Spain in the first round on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
"Obviously getting out of the block it takes a little bit of time to feel comfortable on the court," 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."
Djokovic got an early break to go ahead 2-0 in the second set and never looked back as the three-times champion used a mix of deft volleys, solid movement and great instincts to remain undefeated in 14 career first-round matches in New York.
Aug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain serves Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the first round on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Carballes Baena looked up for the task early on as he fought off a trio of break points to hold for 1-1 in a game that lasted nearly 10 minutes.
The Spanish world number 76 kept up the fight and was serving at 4-5 in the opening set but Djokovic sent a backhand volley to an empty court to set up a pair of break points and converted on his first chance.
Djokovic was never tested the rest of the way and did not face a break point in the entire match.
Aug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA;
Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits to Roberto
Carballes Baena of Spain in the first round on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
"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."
Up next for Djokovic will be either American Sam Querrey or Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero.
Aug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA;
Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits to Roberto
Carballes Baena of Spain in the first round on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
(Reporting by Frank Pingue, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Clare Fallon)
Aug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates match point against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in a first round match on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY SportsAug 26, 2019; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain shake hands after a first round match on day one of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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