Novak Djokovic began his US Open title defense with a straightforward victory over Radu Albot, winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, but expressed frustration over the late match start time, which extended until nearly midnight. At 37, Djokovic noted that recovering from late-night matches has become increasingly challenging as he ages, citing his 'low batteries' after prolonged waits caused by the previous match's delays. Although he appreciates the excitement of night matches for fans, he prefers to start earlier to maintain his energy levels during play. Djokovic also acknowledged his lack of recent competitive play on hard courts, resulting in a rusty performance with multiple double faults and errors. Moving forward, he hopes to be scheduled earlier in the evening to better manage his performance and energy. This match marked Djokovic's return to competitive tennis following his Olympic gold medal win, and he aims to improve with each subsequent match in the tournament.