Djoko resumes normal service with first match since Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic made an efficient return to the courts in the US Open first round – his first match since a July 11 Wimbledon semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner – with the four-time champion teaching a 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2 lesson to Learner Tien.

The 38-year-old Djokovic was carrying an unexplained injury over the summer and arrived in New York without  a match to his name.

The black-clad Serb showed his intentions with a 24-minute opening set where he produced just four unforced errors and never let his teenaged opponent into the mix in the night session showpiece.

The seventh seed was treated for a toe blister and twice came back in the third set from a break down before winning five of the final six games to advance in two and a half hours.

“I don’t have any injury or anything. I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points,” Djokovic said.

“There was quite a bit of tension on the court, playing a young American, night session. I haven’t played an official match, (for) six weeks. 

“I had to deliver my A-game, which I did I think in the first set. In the second, it was surviving on the court. But in the important moments I just put one ball more in the court than he did.”

The father of two and 24-time Grand Slam champion said he chose not to play during the hardcourt summer due to family reasons.

“I’ve put in a lot of training in the last three, four weeks. It’s just not any more prioritizing the heavy schedule as I used to. 

“I’m not chasing the rankings… it’s really about where do I find motivation and joy? And Slams are obviously the four main tournaments where I always feel the most motivation.”

The grim news continued for 2021 tournament winner Daniil Medvedev, who lost at a third straight major in the first round.

The ATP No. 13 was defeated by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi  6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4, a fourth loss in Medvedev’s previous five matches. He had reached the second week during his six previous appearances here.

“I have no idea, it was crazy. I may have got some new fans,” Bonzi said. “The energy was wild. Match point in the third, then crazy scenario, then exhausted in the fourth, and give all I have in the fifth.”

“I never experienced something like that.”

A Bonzi match point at 5-4 in the third set had to be-replayed when a photographer accidentally stepped onto the court between serves, resulting in a temporary lifeline for Medvedev.

The win was the second for Bonzi over Medvedev in a Grand Slam first round after repeating the victory he took only weeks ago at Wimbledon. The French winner had to deal with hand cramping in the closing stages as he completed the upset over the former No. 1.

“I’m very proud of myself, the scenario of the match, the match point in the third,” Bonzi said. “It’s my best victory ever. It’s very special to do it here.”