Novak Djokovic on track to become World No. 1 after defeating Alexandre Muller in his campaign opener in US Open 2023

The veteran tennis star Novak Djokovic recently made his comeback in the US Open after a two-year-long break since he lost in the final of the US Open 2021. It was also his last appearance before making his way back to the court on Tuesday, August 29. Djokovic outplayed the French star Alexandre Muller in straight sets by a margin of 6-0, 6-2, and 6-3.

With this winning start in the ongoing edition of the US Open 2023, Djokovic has also made sure to become the World No. 1 once again, taking over from the current World No.1 and Wimbledon 2023 champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Notably, the 36-year-old attracted the headlines last year when the organizers refused to allow him entry, as he didn’t get vaccinated for COVID-19. On his way to the 24^th Grand Slam win, Djokovic will play against Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the second round of the US Open 2023.

“I started tremendously well out of the blocks. I knew it was going to be a late night for me, a late start of the match. Nevertheless, I mean, I was excited to go out on the court,” said Djokovic as his match was delayed due to the honouring ceremony for Billie Jean King, and it was also the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of equal winning prize amount for men and women in US Open.

It was kind of lights-out tennis really, almost flawless: Novak Djokovic

“I didn't care if I started after midnight because I had been looking forward to this moment for a few years, to be out on the biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport, playing night session. Everyone knows in tennis that night sessions at Arthur Ashe definitely are the most exciting, fun, loud, energetic sessions you can have out there in the tennis world,” said the three-time US Open champion on his comeback at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Later, he also spoke about his performance in the first match against Alexandre Muller as he completed 17-0 in the head-to-head rivalry with the latter. “I think the performance explains how I felt tonight, particularly in the first two sets. It was kind of lights-out tennis really, almost flawless, perfect first set,” he said.