Novak Djokovic in action at Flushing Meadows Novak Djokovic in action at Flushing Meadows 
Novak Djokovic was not at his best to start his US Open title defence, but still eased beyond Radu Albot in straight sets. (More Tennis News)
Djokovic, who is hunting his first grand slam title of the year on the back of claiming Olympic gold in Paris, won 6-2 6-2 6-4 on Sunday.
However, Djokovic was not at his best, making 40 unforced errors and 10 double faults.
"I wanted to kick start the tournament in the right way and I think I did," Djokovic told ESPN.
"Some ups and downs which I think is normal, getting the rust off your shoulders coming off a different surface and the Olympic Games.
US Open: Former Champ Dominic Thiem Bids Farewell To Grand Slams With First-Round Loss "I haven't played on hard courts for six months, so I'm still finding that groove, finding the tempo on the court."
89 - Novak Djokovic has claimed an 89th match win at the US Open, equalling Roger Federer for the second-most Men's Singles match wins at the event in the Open Era. Djokovic now only trails Jimmy Connors (98). Chase.#USOpen | @usopen @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/6wFvF5sKVW
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 27, 2024Next up for Djokovic, who would claim his 100th Tour-level title should he triumph in New York, is his compatriot Laslo Djere, who defeated Jan-Lennard Struff.
Data Debrief: Djokovic equals Federer
Only the great Jimmy Connors (98) has won more US Open singles matches than Djokovic, who claimed his 89th victory at Flushing Meadows to match Roger Federer's tally.
This was also Djokovic's 78th win at Arthur Ashe Stadiumgemdisco, a competition record for a male player.