Two wins down, five more to go.
Novak Djokovic moved closer to completing his Grand Slam dream on Thursday evening by dismissing Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the US Open.
The World No. 1 won the season's first three majors at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The Serbian kept his hopes of lifting the trophy at Flushing Meadows after one hour and 39 minutes.
Djokovic surprisingly lost a set in the first round against #NextGenATP star Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune of Denmark, but he got back on track against Griekspoor behind 32 winners and just 20 unforced errors. The 34-year-old broke six times from 10 opportunities to triumph.
It was a tough challenge for Griekspoor in his first match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Not only was he playing the top seed and three-time US Open winner, but last Thursday he woke up thinking he would not play the year's final major due to visa issues. The 25-year-old practised last Tuesday and Wednesday on clay.
Djokovic took full advantage, controlling the action against the World No. 121, who upset big-hitting Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round. The 20-time major titlist was not perfect, dropping serve in the second set and facing a 0/40 deficit in one service game in the third — from which he rallied to hold — but he was never under pressure.
Djokovic closed out the match with his 12th ace to set a clash against former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori, who beat American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-7(5), 2-6, 6-3 after three hours and 57 minutes. The Serbian leads the Japanese star 17-2 in their ATP Head2Head series.
"Obviously I love the challenge. Now he's one of the best on the tennis tour. It's not someone I love to play all the time, because obviously he's the toughest opponent, one or two," Djokovic said. "I'd rather have someone ranked lower.
"But I always love the challenge. Even though I have a bad record, I always try to be positive. I'm sure it's going to be a tough one, but I'll do my best."
Novak Djokovic moved closer to completing his Grand Slam dream on Thursday evening by dismissing Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the US Open.
The World No. 1 won the season's first three majors at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The Serbian kept his hopes of lifting the trophy at Flushing Meadows after one hour and 39 minutes.
Djokovic surprisingly lost a set in the first round against #NextGenATP star Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune of Denmark, but he got back on track against Griekspoor behind 32 winners and just 20 unforced errors. The 34-year-old broke six times from 10 opportunities to triumph.
It was a tough challenge for Griekspoor in his first match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Not only was he playing the top seed and three-time US Open winner, but last Thursday he woke up thinking he would not play the year's final major due to visa issues. The 25-year-old practised last Tuesday and Wednesday on clay.
Djokovic took full advantage, controlling the action against the World No. 121, who upset big-hitting Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round. The 20-time major titlist was not perfect, dropping serve in the second set and facing a 0/40 deficit in one service game in the third — from which he rallied to hold — but he was never under pressure.
Djokovic closed out the match with his 12th ace to set a clash against former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori, who beat American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-7(5), 2-6, 6-3 after three hours and 57 minutes. The Serbian leads the Japanese star 17-2 in their ATP Head2Head series.
"Obviously I love the challenge. Now he's one of the best on the tennis tour. It's not someone I love to play all the time, because obviously he's the toughest opponent, one or two," Djokovic said. "I'd rather have someone ranked lower.
"But I always love the challenge. Even though I have a bad record, I always try to be positive. I'm sure it's going to be a tough one, but I'll do my best."