Novak Djokovic opened his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown with a straight sets victory over Learner Tien at the US Open on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Serbian star needed a lengthy medical timeout to treat what looked like a blister on his right foot before wrapping up a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 win against his unseeded 19-year-old American opponent on the Arthur Ashe Stadium showcourt.

"Great to be back in New York," Djokovic said during a brief on-court interview.

"Quite a strange match to be honest. The first set was 20 minutes, the second set was an hour and 20 minutes. It was a key to me to hold my nerve in the second set. All in all there are positives to take.

"I wish I had Learner Tien's age -- when you come to the late 30s it's about learning how to preserve the e

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