Djokovic sends ominous warning at U.S. Open

New York: World number one Novak Djokovic sent an ominous warning to his rivals about his plans to complete one of the most dominant years in professional tennis by winning the U.S. Open.

The Serbian, at the top of his powers and at ease with the world after winning two grand slam titles already this season, produced a masterful display at Flushing Meadows on Thursday to defeat Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 6-0 6-0 6-2 and sail into the third round.

It was as one-sided as the scoreline suggested, with Djokovic completely overwhelming his opponent with power and accuracy. One spectator at the Arthur Ashe Stadium asked the Serbian for his money back.

Berlocq could only smile and play along, helpless to stop the hottest player in the world. When he finally won a game in the third set, he raised his arms as though he had won the championship final.

The crowd roared their approval, disappointed they did not see a real contest but consoled by the fact they saw a near-flawless display.

"I tell you, as a tennis player, as any athlete, when you're playing perfectly, everything seems so good," Djokovic said.

"You're so happy because that's exactly where you want your game to be, at the top, at the highest possible level."

Image: Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, watches his shot after striking the ball back between his legs during his match with Carlos Berlocq, of Argentina, in the second round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011. Djokovic won the point, and the tournament 6-0, 6-0, 6-2.

Text: Reuters

Images: AP