Novak Djokovic won the U.S. Open in straight sets to begin his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam victory

Novak Djokovic kicked off his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title and equaled Roger Federer’s record with his 89th match win at the U.S. Open by defeating Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 on Monday night.

The second-seeded Djokovic, who wore a grey sleeve over his surgically repaired right knee, was competing for the first time since winning an Olympic gold medal three weeks ago at the Paris Games, a notable accomplishment that had previously eluded him.

“It’s always challenging to start, particularly when you haven’t played on this surface for five or six months and are coming off an Olympic gold while playing on clay,” Djokovic said.

“I haven’t had any official matches before the U.S. Open, so I’m expecting to be challenged a bit more in the opening rounds. Hopefully, I can improve my performance with each day.”

Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery in early June, reported that his knee feels fine.

The 37-year-old Serbian improved his record to 18-0 in first-round matches at Flushing Meadows and is now 89-13 overall at the hard-court tournament, which he has won four times, including last year.

Djokovic has never lost before the third round at the U.S. Open, while Albot, who has never advanced past the third round in 30 major appearances, faced Djokovic in the first round.

Federer, who retired with a 89-14 record at the U.S. Open and won five consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008, is the most recent man to win the tournament at least twice in a row.

Among men, only Jimmy Connors, with a 98-17 record, has won more matches at the event than Djokovic and Federer.

Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to an opponent ranked as low as No. 138 Albot, who is now 0-12 against top-10 players.

Next, Djokovic will face fellow Serbian and friend Laslo Djere, who advanced with a five-set victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.

Djokovic and Djere last met in the third round of the U.S. Open a year ago, where Djere won the first two sets before Djokovic came through in five.

“It’s a guaranteed third round for one of the Serbian guys. Hopefully it’s going to be me. But Djere is a guy who thrives on big stages and loves these conditions.

The ball stays low, and he has a very flat backhand and excellent serve and return. He’s physically fit as well,” Djokovic said.

“I remember our previous match well; it was very tough. I’ll try to analyze that and hopefully improve on last year’s performance.”