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Novak Djokovic's first rounds at the US Open, at least considering the only two sets in which Holger Rune and the great match against Tallon Griekspoor, was able to compete to his full potential, turned out to be more complicated than expected and went through ups and downs.
The Serbian champion started his New York expedition well and dominated the first half of the game without too many worries, which ended with a score of 6-1. The first problems came in the second set, when Djokovic appeared rather foul and lowered his service performance.
What was surprising was not so much the false start but the break suffered by the Belgrade player after recovering the disadvantage and, even more, the trend of the tie-break. The stakes are high and the pressure could really become a factor.
Stefan Edberg talked about Djokovic's possible Grand Slam and the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in an exclusive interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
Edberg, from Federer and Nadal's future to Djokovic's Grand Slam dream
Edberg said: "Novak Djokovic has proven to be one of the greatest in tennis history: unique and special for those of his generation, along with Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.
The Serbian has the chance to become the tennis player with the most Grand Slam title, given the physical problems of Roger and Rafa. He is certainly the favorite to win the Us Open and the Grand Slam, given the absence of his two historical rivals, but he will have to contend with very talented young people.
I think above all of Alexander Zverev who has already beaten him recently and also clearly. It won't be easy for Nole. Federer and Nadal, along with him, dominated for a long time. Of course, both Roger and Rafa have major physical problems.
A generational change is taking place. Nadal will be out for the rest of the season. We also know the problems of Federer, who is also 40 years old. We hope to have the opportunity to see them on the court again and that they can play their best tennis. He would be wonderful for all tennis lovers."