Djokovic starts US Open title defence in style

Novak Djokovic began the defence of his US Open title with a crushing 6-1 6-0 6-1 victory over Paolo Lorenzi.

The second seed was clearly in no mood to hang around as he needed only an hour and 13 minutes to blow away Lorenzi, who also won just two games when the pair met in the first round of the Australian Open this year.

Djokovic went on to win the title in Melbourne and he will hope the start is a good omen as he goes for his sixth grand slam title.

Bizarrely Lorenzi, ranked 69th, won the very first serve of the match on the Djokovic serve on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

But Djokovic did not allow his opponent another game until the start of the third set, and then reeled off another six games to clinch victory.

“My game was great from the start to the end,” said Djokovic, who won three of four majors last year.

“It’s also important for me to try to be as economical with the time I spend on the court as possible, but obviously not underestimating any opponent.

“I played really focused, tried to get to the net also. It was great all in all.”Djokovic could find no fault with his performance, saying: “My game was great from the start to the end.

“It’s also important for me to try to be as economical with the time I spend on the court as possible, but obviously not underestimating any opponent.

“I played really focused, tried to get to the net also. It was great all in all.”

The Serb revealed he has been focusing in practice on coming to the net more in an effort to add another dimension to his play.

He said: “I feel my net game isn’t that bad and I should use the opportunity. I have many times a chance to come to the net and finish off the point earlier.

“That’s a part of a game which I was working on with my team. It takes time. I am aware of that. I’ve learned throughout my career to be patient, to work and to stay dedicated and things will come to their place and I will get results.

“Obviously I’m a baseline player. I don’t want to change the game upside down. But I think that having that variety of coming to the net, chip and charging sometimes, serving and volleying, it’s important in today’s tennis.”