US OPEN: Novak Djokovic stutters only to run over teen Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune

New York, September 1

If the last-name chorus of “Ruuuuuune!” in support of his relatively unknown teenage opponent at the US Open bothered Novak Djokovic, he never let anyone know.

Nor was there any visible evidence that Djokovic was shaken by the shaky patches he went through while dropping a set Tuesday night as he began his historic bid to complete the first calendar year Grand Slam in men’s tennis since 1969 and collect a record-breaking 21st Major singles championship.

Djokovic was not perfect — “It wasn’t the best of my performances,” he acknowledged — but he didn’t need to be. All he needed to do was win. Quickly regaining control after a second-set blip, then wearing down his cramping foe, Djokovic beat Danish qualifier Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-2 6-1 to reach the second round.

Earlier on Day 2, the top-seeded woman, Ash Barty, made a successful return to the site of one of the two Grand Slam tournaments she has yet to win.

The biggest holdup for Barty during her 6-1 7-6 (7) victory over 2010 US Open runner-up Vera Zvonareva came early in the first set.

Carreno Busta, was a surprise first round loser on Tuesday. He was eliminated 5-7 4-6 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7) by Maxime Cressy, a Paris-born American ranked 151st.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Alexander Zverev extended his winning streak to 12 matches with a 6-4 7-5 6-2 victory over Sam Querrey, and Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic beat Arantxa Rus 6-4 6-4. — AP