NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic beat Alexandre Müller 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 in his return to the US Open on Monday night and with it also returned to the top of the world rankings, said German news agency (dpa).
Djokovic took just 1 hour 35 minutes to dispatch Frenchman Müller and dethrone title holder Carlos Alcaraz as rankings leader, even if the Spaniard wins the title again.
That is because Djokovic has no points to defend at the New York grand slam where he didn’t play last year owing to United States coronavirus regulations which denied him entry into the country.
Djokovic will start a record-extending 390th week atop the ATP rankings when the new list is released.
Monday’s match only started at 11 pm because the previous match was long, and a ceremony was also held on Arthur Ashe Court.
“We started very late but I was excited to get out onto the court,” Djokovic said.
“I think I played great from the beginning to the end. Some hiccups, but I like the level. Hopefully I can maintain it in the next round as well.” – Bernama
