Novak Djokovic extends Grand Slam opening round wins to 71 matches with perfect US Open 2024 start

Novak Djokovic recorded his 376th grand slam win in the opening round of US Open 2024.

Novak Djokovic started his US Open 2024 campaign with a historic win. He defeated Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to record his 71st opening round win at a grand slam. Djokovic overcame the Moldovan qualifier in two hours and seven minutes at the Arthur Ashe stadium. He never looked under pressure as Albot could not delay his fate on the court.

Djokovic is making his 18th appearance at the US Open and is yet to lose an opening round match at the event. He made his debut in 2005 at Flushing Meadows and played a marathon match which lasted for three hours and 57 minutes against Gael Monfils. Djokovic went on to win the match and reached the third round where lost to Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

His 18 first round matches at the US Open have seen 18 different opponents. French players have been his first round victims thrice from US Open 2005 to US Open 2024. Even apart from the US Open, Djokovic is yet to lose a first round match at Roland Garros and Wimbledon as of 2024.

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Where did Novak Djokovic’s 71 grand slam opening round winning streak begin?

Djokovic’s 71 opening round winning streak began at the French Open in 2006. He defeated Luis Horna of Peru in the first round. Horna withdrew from the match during the end of the second set. The Serbian had earlier lost in the first round of the Australian Open in 2006.

Djokovic was 19 years old when he suffered a first round defeat at the hands of Paul Goldstein. The American was ranked No #68 while facing the Serbian teenager who was ranked No 76. Djokovic lost the match with a score of 2-6, 6-1, 3-6, 2-6 in two hours and 28 minutes.

As of August 2024, the Australian Open remains the only grand slam where Djokovic has suffered an opening round exit. He has two first round losses at Melbourne with the first one coming in 2005 at the hands of then fourth seed Russian, Marat Safin. But the past two decades have seen Djokovic dominate his opponents.