Who is Novak Djokovic's US Open 2024 1R opponent Radu Albot? All you need to know about the 34-year-old history maker from Moldova

Defending champion Novak Djokovic will commence his quest for a 25th Major title against qualifier Radu Albot at the US Open 2024. The latter defeated Javier Barranco Cosano, Luca Van Assche, and Shintato Mochizuki, all in three sets, to book his place in the main draw.

Djokovic hasn't played a match since his triumph at the Paris Olympics a few weeks ago. This will be his first match on hardcourts since his shock defeat to Luca Nardi in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters in March.

As for Albot, he is a veteran of the tour now, and a flagbearer for Moldovan tennis as well. Being drawn against Djokovic has thrust him into the limelight once again, and here's a brief look at his career and background so far:

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Who is Radu Albot?

Radu Albot was born on November 11, 1989, and right since his junior days was touted as the best tennis prospect to come out of Moldova. He turned pro in 2008 and won his first Futures title in 2010, and his first Challenger title in 2013, and became the first player from his country to win a Challenger as well.

Albot came through the qualifying rounds of the US Open in 2014 and thus became the first Moldovan to contest the main draw of a Major. He lost to Gilles Simon in straight sets.

He tasted more success in doubles the following year, winning his first career title at the Istanbul Open, and reached the quarterfinals of the French Open. Both of those achievements were the first for a player from Moldova.

Albot surpassed that result with a semifinal showing in doubles at the US Open in 2018. He captured his maiden career title in singles at the Delray Beach Open 2019 with a three-set win over Dan Evans in the final.

He peaked at No. 39 in the ATP rankings later that year. Starting from 2016, he finished five consecutive seasons ranked in the top 100 until the end of 2020. His best year-end finish came in 2019 when he concluded the season ranked 46th. He's currently ranked No. 138.

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Radu Albot reached the third round of the US Open in 2017

Radu Albot at the Australian Open 2022. (Photo: Getty)

Radu Albot's best performance at the US Open has been a third-round finish in 2017. He defeated Ernesto Escobedo and Lu Yen-hsun and was then shown the door by Sam Querrey.

That remains the only time Albot has made it past the opening hurdle. He has bowed out in the first round on all other occasions. He has a 5-6 record at the main draw level this year, and given his form and record here, a win over Djokovic seems far-fetched.

This will be the first career meeting between the two. Albot is also 0-11 against top-10 players in his career and has lost six of those matches in straight sets. The Moldovan will aim to give a good account of himself against Djokovic, regardless of his prior results.