US Open 2015: Novak Djokovic says first round trump over Joao Souza is a 'statement' to others

World No.1 Novak Djokovic started his campaign for a third Grand Slam title of 2015 in a swift fashion after dispatching Joao Souza in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic, the reigning Australian and Wimbledon champion, finished off Souza 6-1 6-1 6-1 within one hour and 11 minutes to progress to the next round.

Djokovic, who is 20-1 at major tournaments this year, made an explosive start in the US Open, sweeping Brazilian tennis pro Souza in three straight sets. The victory reasserts the Serbian champ’s dominance in the world of tennis after recent final losses to Andy Murray at Montreal, and Roger Federer at Cincinnati. However, Djokovic claimed that his dominating performance is a “statement” for all that are watching, including other competitors in the tournament.

“With a dominant win like the one today, it adds to your confidence, your self-belief. But it's also making a statement for everybody that is out there watching,” Djokovic told ATP World Tour’s official website.

Djokovic also admitted that everything worked well in his first-round win. The 28-year-old Djokovic said he could not ask for a better opening of this year’s US Open and hopefully continues his rhythm to the next round against Austria’s Andreas Haider-Maurer, who defeated Canadian tennis pro Vasek Pospisil 6-4 3-6 6-7(0) 6-0 6-1.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Rafael Nadal eased through his first-round matchup, sawing off Borna Coric of Croatia in four sets 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4. Nadal dominated the first two sets before wrapping up the fourth with a rasping forehand to earn the decisive break.

"I think I started playing well. The first two sets was a very high level for me, then I got a little bit tired,” Nadal said, as reported by BBC.

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