Djokovic, 38, beat Tien, 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 to improve to 19-0 in US Open first-round matches, tying Roger Federer for first all-time. But he labored with low energy, a nasty blister on his right big toe and Tien’s level, especially in the second set.

Novak Djokovic looked tired. He looked hurt. And at times Sunday night, he just looked old. Djokovic overcame all that and improved to 19-0 in the first round of the US Open, battling through some leg troubles to beat Learner Tien 6-1,

It has been roughly six weeks since Novak Djokovic played a competitive singles match. Rather than take part in warmup hard-court events ahead of the U.S. Open, the 24-time major champion gave himself a breather, using the break to spend time with family and prepare for the final grand slam of 2025.