Novak Djokovic had absolutely no problems crossing the first hurdle of his title defense, steamrolling Paolo Lorenzi 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows in New York.
Djokovic, who wrapped up the match in a mere 73 minutes, struck a massive 32 winners to go along with his 7 aces, while Lorenzi, who lost to the world number two in the first round of the Australian Open this year as well, could only muster up 10 winners, while double-faulting six times.
"Obviously, I tried to analyze my game, and my game was great from the start to the end," Djokovic told reporters after the match. "You know, it's also important for me to try to be as economical with the time I spend on the court as possible, but obviously not underestimating any opponent.
"I played really focused, tried to get to the net also. It was great all in all."
Djokovic described the Arthur Ashe stadium as the most exciting stadium, and said he felt obligated to give the fans as much entertainment as possible. "Yes we need to be professional, committed, focused on what we do," the defending champion said. "Our profession brings us a lot of success. A lot of pressure, important moments, a lot of challenges, but also a lot of joy.
"I always try to take everything from a bright, positive side. It's very important to embrace whatever life brings you. I'm fortunate because I have a great team of people around me.
"That's where there's a great source of positive energy for me. We try to joke around all the time. That's us."
Meanwhile, David Nalbandian withdrew from the U.S. Open due to injury, with a statement on the tournament's website saying: "David Nalbandian has withdrawn from both singles and doubles at the 2012 U.S. Open. His place in the singles, scheduled as the third match in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Wednesday, will be taken a lucky loser determined at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
"The doubles team of David Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank will be replaced by an alternate team at the same time and will be scheduled to play on Wednesday as well."
Nalbandian cited a strained muscle in his chest as the cause of his withdrawal, saying: "I am really sorry that I cannot participate in the last Grand Slam event of the season and I hope I will be back for the Davis Cup tie against the Czech Republic in September."
The Argentine was scheduled to face compatriot Juan Martin Del Potro in the first round.
