Novak Djokovic was given a stern warning for Radu Albot in the tunnel just before he took him apart

Novak Djokovic sent out a humorous warning just before the start of his US Open match against Radu Albot. The Serbian tennis star revealed that he was on a mission to “avenge” his brothers.

Although Djokovic is 37 and former world number 39 Albot is 34, they have never met on tour before. But when they finally did on Monday night in New York, the second-seeded Djokovic secured a dominant 6-2 6-2 6-4 victory.

Although Albot lost to the reigning US Open champion, he had already beaten a Djokovic in the past – Moldovan Marko Djokovic 6-4 6-3 at the 2012 Sarajevo Challenger. The following year he also came from a set down to beat Djordje Djokovic 3-6 6-3 6-2 at the Bergamo Challenger.

“I did my homework. My two younger brothers both played against him and they both lost to him. I hope I can take revenge for my brothers tonight (laughs),” Djokovic said just before he entered the court.

2012 Sarajevo Challenger R1
Radu Albot d. Marko Djokovic 6-4 6-3

2013 Bergamo Challenger R1
Radu Albot d. Djordje Djokovic 3-6 6-3 6-2

US Open R1 2024
Novak Djokovic d. Radu Albot 6-2 6-2 6-4

He really avenged his brothers, a decade later, in the exact same round. Awesome.

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 27, 2024

Djokovic played with Albot routinely

In the first three games, qualifier Albot led 2-1. Then Djokovic won the next five games and won the first set in impressive fashion.

Early in the second set, Djokovic lost an early break but remained unperturbed and broke Albot twice more to comfortably take a two-set lead.

In the third set it took a little longer for the Serbian to break Albot, but in the seventh game he succeeded and after that he managed to hold his serve for the rest of the match.

“I wanted to start the tournament on the right foot and I think I did that. A few ups and downs, which I think is normal, getting the rust off your shoulders after a different surface and the Olympics. I haven’t played on hard courts for six months, so I still have to find that groove, find the pace on the court,” Djokovic said after the match.

Djokovic will next play against compatriot and world number 109 Laslo Djere.