FOR OLD-TIMERS' SAKE, START EARLIER: NOVAK

The 37-year-old bemoans after his win goes past midnight, saying his batteries are low

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NEW YORK Midnight matches may be popular with fans but not with old campaigner Novak Djokovic, who bemoaned a late night at the start of his US Open title defence on Aug 26.

The world No. 2 Serb beat qualifier Radu Albot of Moldova 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the second round but the 2hr 7min match stretched until midnight at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The pair were unable to take to the court until late due to Clara Burel's 0-6, 7-5, 7-5 comeback win over Sloane Stephens, who crumbled after leading 6-0, 3-0.

"Well, I don't think that ageing helps really staying so late and playing very late," Djokovic, 37, said. "I can feel, you know, my batteries are low now. I'm shutting down.

"But it's been a long wait, to be honest. I thought I'm going to go out on the court like 8.15 pm because Stephens was 6-0, 3-0 serving and then all of a sudden it turns out to be a 21/2-hour match or whatever." The 24-time Grand Slam champion added that "you just have to accept it" regarding night matches but hoped his matches can be scheduled earlier instead of being one of the later ones.