For a calendar-year Grand Slam, Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic began his US Open 2021 campaign against 18-year-old Holger Rune. Although the match seemed straightforward on paper, the duo brought some extraordinary tennis to the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Ultimately, the 34-year-old proved why he is the current best in the world, closing the match 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-1.

Previously, the Danish teenager had randomly asked Djokovic to practice with him on Instagram. The Serbian ace had then agreed. However, at that time, neither of the two would have imagined that they would cross paths a few months later.

Interestingly, Rune settled admirably in front of the odd 20 thousand fans in Flushing Meadows. And so, he also received loud and energetic support from them.

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Novak Djokovic shows kindness to Holger Rune at US Open 2021

Without a doubt, the 18-year-old Rune showed great determination to stay toe-to-toe with the best in the world, Djokovic. Most significantly, he even took off a set from the top seed.

However, after losing the second set to the Danish teenager, Djokovic accelerated his game plan and quickly tried to finish the match. Although Rune attempted to resist, the quality of returns from the Serb was too much to handle for him.

What’s interesting about the matchup is that at 5-0 in the fourth set, Djokovic offered Rune a game so as to not bagel him. It indeed would not totally make up for the battle the teenager fought. Yet, he could now walk out with his head held high.

In the coming years, the tennis world will see a lot of Holger Rune. But for now, it is Djokovic time in the Flushing Meadows in New York for the next two weeks.

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Who will Djokovic play in the US Open 2021 R2?

After a successful first-round win, Djokovic will come out more confident in the second round. There, he will meet Tallon Griekspoor for the first time in his career.

Concernedly, the Serbian ace did struggle a bit with his service game. However, having not played since the Tokyo Olympics could be one big reason for that.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see how Djokovic returns to the court. Besides, Griekspoor also would get an opportunity to show his best tennis to the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

All in all, Djokovic’s unflinching eyes have set the target on the US Open 2021 title. Let’s see if anyone can break his dream.

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