Right on time: Djokovic questions Open clock on way to 24-0

vak Djokovic admittedly got a bit distracted.

He was unaware of U.S. Open rule about time allowed between points. He kept barking in direction of his entour — among only people in Arthur Ashe Stadium seats. In end, though, he did what he always does in 2020: win.

. 1-ranked Djokovic began his bid for Grand Slam title . 18 on Monday night by extending his season start to 24-0 with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Damir Dzumhur at Flushing Meadows.

“Things got complicated,” Djokovic said. “Lost my focus.”

During a pre-match TV interview, Dzumhur said about Djokovic: “Hopefully, he is t 100 percent.”

That was probably a reference to way Djokovic dealt with neck and stomach issues during last week’s run to Western & Sourn Open title on same hard courts being used for U.S. Open.

Djokovic played a three-set semifinal Friday, n a three-set semifinal Saturday.

But 48 hours before facing Dzhumur, who has been ranked as high as 23rd and w is 109th, apparently were eugh for a full physical recovery.

“I felt good on court today,” said Djokovic, who trails only Roger Federer, with 20, and Rafael Nadal, with 19, in men's Grand Slam trophy standings.

Neir of those rivals is entered in U.S. Open, only part of reason Djokovic is an overwhelming favorite to win what would be his sixth title in a span of eight major tournaments.

One mir hiccup during his opening match had to do with way serve clock is being implemented at U.S. Open: Chair umpires are starting that 25-second countdown much sooner w than y were during Western & Sourn Open.

Djokovic was t only player to wonder aloud about that system during a match Monday.

“Why did you start it?” he asked chair umpire Damien Dumusois, ting that during previous event players got more time to go collect ir towels between points.

After Dumusois said pace is intentionally supposed to be quicker at U.S. Open, Djokovic replied: “You do it here different? Why? re is explanation? ... Thanks for letting us kw.”

Im credits: AP