World No. 1 Novak Djokovic made a victorious singles debut at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships on Tuesday, defeating #NextGenATP Aussie Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-2 to reach the second round in Tokyo.
It was a positive sign from the ATP 500 tournament’s top seed, who was competing on the singles court for the first time since retiring during his fourth-round match against Stan Wawrinka at the US Open due to a shoulder injury. The Serbian took care of his serve well, going throughout the one-hour, 29-minute encounter without facing a break point.
Although Popyrin had to qualify here, the 20-year-old was a dangerous opponent due to his powerful, aggressive game. At the US Open, Popyrin was a service hold away from pushing eventual semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini to a fifth set. He also defeated Dominic Thiem at this year’s Australian Open.
But Djokovic was solid throughout, striking seven aces and winning 44 per cent of his return points. The Serbian has advanced to at least the second round in all 12 tournaments he has played in this year.
Monday was a historic one for Djokovic, marking his 271st week atop the ATP Rankings, passing Ivan Lendl (270) for third alll-time, trailing only Roger Federer (310) and Pete Sampras (286).
Djokovic will next face home favourite Go Soeda. The Japanese player had an 0-12 record in Tokyo main draws before defeating German Jan-Lennard Struff in his own tournament opener.
Did You Know?
Djokovic has won the title on his tournament main draw debut nine times previously, most recently in Eastbourne two years ago.
from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2mCkbti
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