Novak Djokovic beats Jerzy Janowicz 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1
It was a labored performance by Novak Djokovic (wrist, arm, didn’t want to be there...) and it was clear he was never 100%. BUT - all is forgiven as during the post-interview he begins to sing Phil Collins as he thanks the crowd for staying, probably the best part of the evening. Djokovic makes it 20-1 in night matches at the US Open. “I feel like when I step in here, in the dark tunnel,” he says after the game. “There is always a light.”
Perhaps he does want to be here.
Thanks for staying with us during the first night of the US Open. I’ll be back tomorrow as Andy Murray faces Lukas Rosol from the Czech Republic.
Have a great Tuesday.
Djokovic wins set and match (3-1)
Fourth set: Djokovic* 6-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Game, set and match for Djokovic as a tired, lumbering Janowicz just can’t keep up with the evening. His serves, though maintaining power, were just not showing any placement and Novak has double match point at 15-40. He takes it after Janowicz makes another unforced error.
Fourth set: Djokovic 5-1 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic knows he doesn’t need to force any more power from his troubled arm so he fully anticipates the points will be gained from Jano’s mistakes. Well, it’s exactly what happens as Novak leads 40-15. The last point, however, is the best of the match as Djokovic hits a beautiful backspin drop shot, unreachable for Janowicz. He wins it and it’s one more game for the match.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 4-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz has truly faded now as he is not used to going this far in a game, especially this year. Djokovic leads as the score is 0-40. Just when you think he is about to break, Jano catches Novak running to the net and gives hits him with a great backhand. Novak takes it, however, as the next shot by the big man is backhand unforced error. It’s only a matter of when not if for the Serb.
Fourth set: Djokovic 3-1 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
During the break, Djokovic covered his head with a towel and really looked like he was about to cry. Then he renters the court and goes to work, winning the game at rapid speed. 3-1
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Fourth set: Djokovic* 2-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz takes a 40-15 lead and the game ends with an unforced error by Djokovic. Both players look like they don’t want to win this one. Tough luck, gentlemen, one of you has to.
Thank you, Rudge. It’s not a classic, that’s for sure.
Enjoying your words on a paediatric nightshift at Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
Hoping Novak has overcoming his recent slump to lift this tournament’s standard.
Rudge
Fourth set: Djokovic 2-0 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
As Djokovic serves, it’s apparent that he’s laboring the motions tonight. If he wins, he must thank he’s not playing a more focused player. Djokovic wins a game he had no business winning.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 1-0 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz starts positively in the fourth as he takes a commanding 40-0 lead. It’s almost as he knows it’s now or never for the big man. Novak, however, comes back thanks to a couple of backhand unforced errors and before you know it, it’s deuce. Janowicz’s inconsistency is remarkably consistent as another unforced error rewards Novak with the advantage. The game ends with a forehand error and the defending champion breaks.
Djokovic wins third set (2-1)
Third set: Djokovic 6-2 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic makes a few mistakes after Jano returns his serve, especially with the forehand. Interestingly, it’s the two-handed backhand that saves him as a great cross-court shot is too much for Janowicz who can only softly return it for Novak to pounce. Novak wins it with a great forehand and takes the set.
Third set: Djokovic* 5-2 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
You can clearly see that Janowicz’s legs are heavy as he continues to make some mistakes, expecially as he comes close to the net. But when that serve works and goes in, it’s a great weapon. His last serve, 129mph, is too much for Novak as he takes the game. Djokovic will serve for the set.
Third set: Djokovic 5-1 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic is in the zone now and wins the game with so much ease.
Third set: Djokovic* 4-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz is hanging on here as he once again looks to his big serve to save him in this game. Novak, however, keeps answering the first serve and gets a double-break lead at 15-40. Jano wins the next point and the next one after a fantastic rally and takes it to 40-40. Djokovic takes advantage but Jano comes with ANOTHER drop shot and actually surprises Djokovic who can’t quite reach it. Novak takes the game, however as after another great rally, Jano is let down by a his forehand. Djokovic breaks.
Third set: Djokovic 3-1 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
That’s more like it from Djokovic as his serve placement, especially in the second, is too much for the often frantic Janowicz. A straightforward win for the number one seed.
Third set: Djokovic* 2-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz seriously puzzles me. Just the game before he is making ridiculous choices and now he is calm and composed with extremely accurate serving. Novak returns the first serve but fails to answer Jano’s response (a powerful forehand) and Janowicz takes it.
Third set: Djokovic 2-0 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Novak looks to keep the strategy that it should be his opponent that makes the mistakes and not the other way around. Some weird shot choice selections by Jano, this time being another drop shot from a weird angle and Novak takes it.
Third set: Djokovic*1-0 Janowicz (* denotes next server)
This is crucial set for Janowicz because it will test his conditioning and how his knee will hold up. Novak on the other hand knows that he has to push him and make him uncomfortable. Novak takes it and breaks his serve. Janowicz has 34 unforced errors so far.
Janowicz wins second set
Second set: Djokovic 5-7 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Janowicz begins well thanks to a couple of backhand unforced errors from his opponent and this is huge as it’s 0-30. Djokovic keeps rubbing that sore arm and its truly affecting his serve as Novak double faults. We’re at 15-40 and Jano takes it thanks to a forehands unforced error. The Pole is pumped and Djokovic looks vulnerable.
Second set: Djokovic* 5-6 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Well, the double faults continue for Janowicz and guess what? Another foot fault. After a strong rally, Jano with another drop shot but Novak reaches and LOBS HIM! Wow, didn’t see that coming. Jano, however, saves three break points and brings it to deuce. The last one, a great forehand that Novak can’t reach and after being 0-40 down, Janowicz takes the game. Very impressive.
Second set: Djokovic 5-5 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic knows that despite Janowicz’s power, he has to rely on the fact that speed is not his opponent’s friend. BUT, he is extremely athletic and flexible as a great slide saves him as Jano chases a drop shot and turns it into a winner. Novak holds, however and wins it.
Second set: Djokovic* 4-5 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz is beginning to lose consistency once again as another unforced forehand begins the game. The mental aspect of Jano is also showing his frustration during his serves that won’t go in. He LOVES those drop shots, though, and puts in a beauty after a long rally between both players. A great forehand is too much for Novak and it’s deuce. He takes advantage with a 139mph ace and another powerful serve gives him the game as Djokovic fails to return. Strong comeback from a very tricky player to try and figure out. Sometimes he is fantastic and others he is amateurishly inconsistent. Still, he takes the game.
Second set: Djokovic 4-4 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Well, that was the quickest game as Novak goes 1,2,3,4 and soundly gets that game to tie things up.
Second set: Djokovic* 3-4 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
A few unforced errors and another double fault makes it 0-40 and Djokovic knows this has to be his game to break. Well, he does, as Janowicz with another double fault. That must infuriate his coaches. Novak breaks.
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Second set: Djokovic 2-4 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
An interesting strategy by Janowicz is how far back he stands as he returns the second serve. It seems to be working as Novak can’t quite produce the power or accuracy. This is most definitely a man who is not playing to his standards. A struck of luck saves Jano as the ball skims over the net and goes 15-40. A backhand spinning away is too much for Novak and it’s another break for the big man from Poland.
Second set: Djokovic* 2-3 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz knows that if there is any way of him winning this, it has to be from the serve. The problem is that he doesn’t quite have the accuracy, not to mention that the calls have not been favorable. He does, however, have a forehand that pushes Novak all the way behind the baseline and makes it 40-30. But once, again, another unforced error costs him the lead. Jano gets another chance, but once again, loses focus and makes it a mistake. Also, he has two foot faults in the game, which don’t help matters. But due to the fact that Novak can’t quite finish, Jano finally takes it. Can he get more consistency?
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Second set: Djokovic 2-2 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Janowicz is working extremely hard to stay in this, forcing Novak to make mistakes of his own as he tests the wrists of the Serbian champ with his backhand. He keeps pushing with power and takes the 15-30 lead, looking to break again. He challenges another shot and wins it, goes 15-40. Novak is clearly struggling with is own serve but just about makes Jano reach out with his second. The longer the rallies, the longer the games, the worse it can be for Janowicz as his movement can’t keep up as well as his opponent. Novak, however, is not really finishing him off and allows Jano to use that forehand. The game goes longer than he could wish for but takes it.
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Second set: Djokovic* 1-2 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz begins the game with an ace and hopes that becomes more of a factor. But another unforced error just cant give him any consistency. The key for Janowicz is to take advantage of his powerful forehands but once he is put in a position to raleigh, you just dont see him sustaining. He ends the game the same way he started, though, with an ace.
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Second set: Djokovic 1-1 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Novak answers with some powerful forehand volleys as he takes the early lead 40-0. Despite the fact that Janowicz returns with his very own, it’s not enough as more unforced errors cause him the game. We’re tied up.
Second set: Djokovic* 0-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
As the game develops, it’s clear that Jano’s knee is bothering him as he can’t quite position himself well enough to return the way he wants to. He is fighting, however, as his powerful backhand helps him take the lead in this one.
Djokovic wins first set
First set: Djokovic 6-3 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Novak, clearly playing at 60% has had enough and wins the game and set.
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First set: Djokovic* 5-3 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz takes his game as he keeps fighting to stay in the set. His serve is keeping him in it.
First set: Djokovic 5-2 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Novak is slowly turning into the Novak we know now as his second serve placement begins to get more accurate. Easily wins it as Janowicz can’t quite return Novak’s deep cross-court shots.
First set: Djokovic* 4-2 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Looks like the trainer worked. Novak forces Janowicz to move as he plays a beautiful forehand and leads 15-0. Janowicz can’t get his serve going as he is now on two double faults. He comes back on 15-30, however, as he makes Novak run with a beautiful drop shot which he can’t just hit over. On 30-30, Djokovic just about returns his opponent’s power forehand. He had a chance to break but can’t capitalize on the first attempt. He gets another attempt on advantage but Janowicz surprises him with a drop shot followed by a lob. 40-40 once again. Jano challenges a shot from Novak and fails. That is followed by a great backhand shot as he gets closer to the net and breaks the first game of the match.
During the change, Djokovic gets a three-minute injury time out as the ATP trainer works on his right bicep and tricep, and also below the elbow. This is not the injured arm, by the way, as that was his left.
First set: Djokovic 3-2 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Janowicz is beginning to figure things out and now knows where Novak’s first serve is heading. His powerful shots are keeping him under pressure. He catches a break as on Advantage to Jano, the ball just skims the net and goes over. Novak finishes with a great forehand and just wins it again. No breaks in serve yet.
First set: Djokovic* 2-2 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowiscz completely dominates this one and brings it back to 2-2. There was a little complaining from Jano on a first serve as it was 40-15 but regardless, he takes it. It’s going to be hard to break his powerful serve.
Here’s a piece on Joh Isner slamming Colin Kaepernick.
First set: Djokovic 2-1 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic begins with an ace and keeps the rhythm going as he allows his opponent to make a mistake. Djokovic clearly wants to keep him on the baseline and force him to make unforced errors. The problem is that he’s also making some mistakes with his forehand himself and it’s 40-30. He loses the next point to another weak shot and Djokovic clearly needs some time to adjust to the big man’s power. He takes it, just. This is a rusty Novak, but surely he’ll get better as the game continues.
First set: Djokovic* 1-1 Janowicz (*denotes next server)
Janowicz’s serve is extremely powerful but nothing Djokovic can’t handle. At 15-15, you can already see the lack of lateral movement from Janowicz as Novak takes advantage on the server return with a great forehand across the baseline. Jano loves his drop shots, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t as the last one hits the net. However, he does come back with a nice backhand and takes a game back with a powerful forehand with a GREAT raleigh. Great game.
First set: Djokovic 1-0 Janowicz* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic started things with a double fault but slowly gets into a rhythm as he composes himself allowing Janowicz to make some unforced errors. A lot of errors in this one and it’s a shaky start from both players. A queazy first game for Novak.
We have started!
Djokovic serves first.
The players are warming up and we’re getting closer to the start. We’ll see how Djokovic’s wrist holds up on that two-handed backhand and if Janowicz’s knee can keep up. Either way, this should be a good one.
A little bit more about tonight’s match. Aside from the fact that these two have never faced each other before, they are also dealing with some niggling injuries. So we’re entering the unknown when it comes to predicting the game’s rhythm. Both players are interviewed before they enter the court and they seem relaxed. Djokovic thanks Phil Collins for getting the crowd ready, and believes it’s all about taking it one game at a time. He seems extremely composed. Both players are now on the court and the crowd go crazy for the current number one as he seeks his 13th Grand Slam title.
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Fair play to Milos Raonic. Not even Phil Collins could distract him.
Raonic wins 1st set 7-5 with Phil Collins playing over on Ashe #USOpen pic.twitter.com/qhIiOLarb0
— Michael Gallo (@Galloots) August 29, 2016
Phil Collins is done and now we have Odom Jr singing a beautifully simple rendition of the National Anthem. It’s a beautiful summer night in New York City and we are moments away from the players entering the court to warm up.
Collins now introduces Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr to the stage as they sing Easy Lover. I gotta say, this is more like it. Odom Jr - who won a Tony this year for his role as Aaron Burr - immediately revs up the energy by 70%. The song, by the way, was originally a collaboration between Collins and Philip Bailey.
This is very strange. Now there is video montage celebrating the life and work of Phil Collins. Directly after the vid, we begin the concert. His son, Nick Collins, is on drums and yes, you guessed it, In the Air Tonight kicks things off and the crowd goes wild. Right at this very moment, every single suburban dad in America goes crazy....and their kids leave the living room.
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The opening ceremony has started. Billie Jean King enters the court and commemorates the great, Arthur Ashe, and formally introduces the improvements on the stadium. She also welcomes Bill de Blasio. An incredibly awkward moment as the crowd boos him as he enters the stage. De Blasio talks about community tennis around New York City and how much the city loves the sport. He gives some props to Monica Puig and wishes her good luck (ehrm, she already lost, Bill) as well as Serena Williams. Katrina Adams -USTA president - also speaks.
Let’s not forget about the All-American affair tonight from the Women’s tournament as Madison Keys (8) takes on Alison Riske later on. Expecations are high as she is presumed the next American favorite to win a Grand Slam title. Last year at Flushing, she reached the fourth round.
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ESPN currently showing an interview with Djokovic, the Olympics being a specific thorn in 2016, despite the fact that he has already won two Grand Slams this year. Rio was undoubtedly an emotional time for the Serbian athlete because he truly wanted that gold for his country.
The roof is closed for Phil Collins as he gets ready to perform at the opening ceremony. The 65-year-old actually retired in 2011 but looks to make a comeback tonight. My cynical side is wondering if this is the best way to attract younger fans to the sport...
The roof is closed and Ashe is ready for Phil Collins' first gig in years... #USOpen pic.twitter.com/1A8KVEB893
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) August 29, 2016
In other news, Boricua and Olympic champion, Monica Puig, is out of the tournament. She lost in straight sets to China’s Zheng Saisai in the first round. Rio must have taken a lot out of her.
A message from our Mayor. P.S. He’s a Red Sox fan.
Every year tennis saves the best for last. Nothing like the most exciting Grand Slam in the world’s greatest city. #USOpen
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) August 29, 2016
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Weather report
A hot evening tonight - 88F (31C) - but the good news is that it’s not as humid as earlier today. It’s a perfect summer night. For New Yorkers, this is heaven to the ears. Remember, this a best-of-five Grand Slam tournament so hydration will be key.
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From statistical standpoint, the good people at Five Thirty Eight are forecasting a tennis tournament for the very first time. They’re giving Djokovic a 59% of winning the US Open. Janowicz? He gets a realistic albeit depressing 1%.
Preamble
Hello everyone, welcome to Flushing Meadows’ U.S Open and tonight’s main event from the Men’s singles tournament as defending champion, Novak Djokovic, looks to shake off the disappointment from Rio and takes on Jerzy Janowicz from Poland in the first round. This is also a big night for Arthur Ashe Stadium: after three years of construction, its $150 million retractable roof makes its much anticipated debut.
For Novak Djokovic - who also won the Australian and French Open this year - THREE is the magic number. If he wins this tournament, it will be the third time in his career that he has won three Grand Slam titles in a calendar year - Only Roger Federer has done the same.
From a physical standpoint, a major factor to watch out for is his left wrist, which has been an issue since the Olympic Games in Rio (lost in the first round) and forced him to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters. Despite the fact that Djokovic is a righty, the 29-year-old Serbian relies on his left hand for his two-handed backhand so it will be interesting to see just how much it bothers him. Janowicz, a 2013 Wimbledon semi-finalist, has issues of his own as a serious knee injury limited him to just six matches this year.
Janowicz is a giant of a man - standing tall at 6’8” - so Djokovic’s strategy will surely be to test that knee and keep him away from the net. Janowicz’s obvious other weapon is his serve (his fastest was recorded at 156mph in 2012) so Djokovic will have a lot of work to do if he hopes to break in this match.
