New York, Aug. 25 -- Twenty-four time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic made a triumphant return to major competition, overcoming spirited teenager Learner Tien in the first round of the US Open today IST.
Djokovic, seeded seventh, defeated the 19-year-old American 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Making his first appearance since Wimbledon, the 38-year-old Serb began strongly, dropping just one game in a 24-minute opening set. However, Tien, making his night-session debut at Ashe, fought back with solid baseline play and the support of the home fans, even earning a set point in the second set. Djokovic dug deep, saving it and capturing the tiebreak, before regaining full control in th...