Novak Djokovic, the 23-time Grand Slam winner, made a big entrance at the US Open, thrashing France’s Alexandre Muller in the first round to start his campaign in style. The Serbian’s victory ensures that he will reclaim the world No. 1 ranking in men’s singles on September 11.
Djokovic was unable to compete in the competition last year because he was refused entry into the United States due to his decision to go unvaccinated against COVID-19.
The 36-year-old, who is chasing his fourth US Open title, defeated Muller in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium after waiting for Coco Gauff’s three-set match to end.
Djokovic achieved his 46th bagel in Grand Slams, equaling 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
What is a ‘bagel set’ in tennis?
Simply put, a bagel set occurs when one player wins the set of six games to love.
The word is used by tennis players to describe such a set for no reason other than the fact that a bagel is round and hence looks like a zero.
A bagel set isn’t very uncommon, although different versions of the bagel set exist.
A double bagel, for example, is when two sets are won 6-0 in a match. The ultra-rare triple bagel occurs in men’s tennis, where they win three sets 6-0.
However, this has only happened five times in Grand Slam tennis since 1968.
Bagel isn’t the only bread-related reference to a tennis score
Roger Federer holds the record for the most bagel sets in a single season, with 19 in 2006.
In case you’re wondering, a bagel isn’t the only bread-related reference to a tennis score; a set won or lost 6-1 is known as a breadstick.
Novak Djokovic reclaims No.1 ranking on US Open return
Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion, dominated the first eight games of the match, drawing applause from a crowd that included former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.
The second seed showed no mercy against his outmatched opponent, breaking serve eight times and winning in an hour and 35 minutes.
“I started tremendously well out of the blocks,” said Djokovic, whose match didn’t begin until after 11pm following a ceremony honouring Billie Jean King and the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for men and women at the US Open.
“I knew it was going to be a late night for me, late start of the match. Nevertheless, I mean, I was excited to go out on the court,” said Djokovic.
“I didn’t care if I started after midnight because I was looking forward to this moment for a few years, to be out on the biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport, playing night session.”
“Everyone knows in tennis that night sessions at Arthur Ashe definitely are the most exciting, fun, loud, energetic sessions you can have out there on the tennis world,” he added.