Novak Djokovic makes John McEnroe look foolish | Sports News

Novak Djokovic took simply 24 minutes to win his first set 6-1 in opposition to World No. 50 Learner Tien in nothing short of a demolition, making John McEnroe look considerably foolish. He wrapped up the encounter 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

Making essentially the most of his two opening set break factors, there was no signal of the Serbian being “cold”, as he put it, coming into the Grand Slam. And, within the first set, the gulf between the 2 could not have been clearer. Djokovic barely bought out of second gear in what appeared more like an exhibition match than a take a look at for him.

While on comms obligation for the night Arthur Ashe matchup, tennis great McEnroe mentioned, “In his prime he’d eat this guy alive.” At 38 and within the twilight of his profession, Djokovic did simply that during the primary set. It comes after Djokovic named the 2 US Open stars who can rival Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

The second set, nonetheless, proved a trickier take a look at for the Serb. Tien got here out combating and even earned himself three break factors whereas 3-2 up within the second. But Djokovic’s outstanding resilience and trademark grit meant he not solely saved all three break factors however gained the sport too.

A steely maintain from Tien to go 5-4 up put Djokovic on the back foot as he then confronted saving two set factors earlier than taking the set to a tiebreak. Tien appeared to strengthen all through the encounter, with the American teenager actually pushing the 24-time Grand Slam winner.

It additionally turned obvious Djokovic was coping with a slight subject. At instances between factors he would bend over after which bend his knees, visibly in ache. Prior to the second set tiebreak Djokovic requested to see a physio.

He additionally acquired a second-time violation for taking too long between factors. At 3-3 during the tiebreak, McEnroe mentioned, “Djokovic looks like he’s about to fall over.”

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But the Serb defied him again by impressively successful the tiebreak to go two units to like up. A physio rushed to deal with Djokovic, as cameras confirmed a nasty blister on his proper large toe.

Wrapped and able to return to motion, Tien again pushed Djokovic within the third set, immediately breaking him to go 1-0. But Djokovic’s reply was spectacular – he gained the following 5 video games to put himself factors away from successful the competition.

A shock break from Tien – no due to a rowdy fan – pressured the match to go on a little longer than anticipated. Djokovic, although, made no sweat about Tien’s service sport and finally gained.

There was some reward reserved for Djokovic on comms. ESPN’s Chris Fowler mentioned, “Djokovic has redefined ideas about what is possible beyond 30 because he’s embraced recovery and training and flexibility and diet. Used all the high-tech tools at any athlete’s disposal to try to stave off time, and here he is.”

To which McEnroe added, “He’s done about a good a job as anyone in the history of sports. You think of LeBron James, you know, I call him the LeBron James of tennis. You’ve got Tom Brady.”