Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a routine victory over Radu Albot at the US Open on Monday, before bemoaning his late arrival on court.
Djokovic, who has not played since winning Olympic gold at the Paris Games almost one month ago, shook off the rust to ease past Moldovan qualifier Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the second round, but the two-hour and seven-minute match stretched until midnight at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The pair were unable to take to the court until late due to Clara Burel's comeback win over former champion Sloane Stephens, who crumbled in three sets after leading 6-0, 3-0.
“Well, I don't think that ageing helps really staying so late and playing very late,” the 37-year-old Serb said. “I can feel, you know, my batteries are low now. I'm shutting down.
“But it's been a long wait, to be honest. I thought I was going to go out on the court, like, 8.15pm because Stephens was 6-0, 3-0 serving and then all of a sudden it turns out to be a two-and-a-half hour match or whatever.
“You just have to accept it, I guess. I like playing night matches, but I love to start first. So hopefully I get more chances to play at night and am scheduled first so we can start at a more decent time and finish at a more decent time.
“I guess for the fans there is something special about late-night finishes, particularly post-midnight. For us, I don't know. It's not really what you want but if you get a W [win], then it's all good.”
Djokovic returned to the court for his first hard-court match since March at Indian Wells, yet buoyed by completing the career golden Grand Slam by winning the Olympic title at Roland Garros.
Though easily accounting for Albot, the second seed's lack of warm-up matches showed as he served up 10 double-faults and racked up nearly twice as many unforced errors as winners.
“It's always challenging to start, particularly when you haven't played on this surface for five, six months and coming off an Olympic gold and playing on clay,” Djokovic said. “I'm expecting to be probably challenged a little bit more in the opening rounds.
“The good thing about Slams is you have a day between matches where you can train, where you can really work on things and perfect your game. That's what I need.”
Most of Djokovic's fellow seeds booked their places in the second round, with German world No 4 Alexander Zverev, Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud, American No 1 Taylor Fritz, and Bulgarian world No 9 Grigor Dimitrov all marching on.
The one shock on the opening day saw Danish 15th seed Holger Rune eliminated by American world No 50 Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
Gauff opens title defence in style
In the women's draw, defending champion Coco Gauff powered into the second round with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over France's Varvara Gracheva.
The 20-year-old American fired 10 aces and needed just 66 minutes to beat 66th-ranked Gracheva. She saved eight break points, including two with aces in the final game.
“It is definitely a lot of pressure this tournament but I'm just enjoying it,” said Gauff, who is seeded third behind Polish world No 1 Iga Swiatek and Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka.
“Last year was incredible, so I'm just bringing those vibes and whatever happens, happens.”
Gauff has battled through an erratic season since capturing her maiden major last year. Her tune-up tournaments saw her fall in the third round in Toronto before she crashed out of her first match as the defending champion in Cincinnati.
“The last few weeks have been a little bit tough,” Gauff said. “But today was the best tennis I've played in a while.”
Australian Open champion Sabalenka cruised into the second round with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon.
Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova, seeded eighth, also eased through, securing a 7-6, 6-2 victory over Spanish qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera.
Olympic women's singles gold medallist Zheng Qinwen of China, seeded seventh, rallied from a set down to beat Amanda Anisimova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
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Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
