NEW YORK: Serbia's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic reached the second round of the US Open with a 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-1 win over Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune in two hours and 15 minutes even as the Danish teen suffered from cramps in the final two sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Djokovic is now six match wins from becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to claim all four major titles in one season. The three-time US Open champion will next face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Djokovic's next opponent, Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, battled past big-hitting German Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6, 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 after three hours and 38 minutes.
Fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany extended his winning streak to 12 matches as he moved past American Sam Querrey 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to reach the second round in the championship.
Italy's Matteo Berrettini faced a difficult first-round rival, but finally beat Jeremy Chardy of France 7-6(5), 7-6(7), 6-3 after two hours and 31 minutes.
The Italian did well to battle through his opener in straight sets in his first major appearance since advancing to the Wimbledon final two months ago where he lost to Novak Djokovic. The sixth seed blasted 37 winners to just 15 unforced errors and will next play Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who beat Italian Stefano Travaglia 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3). (IANS)
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