“It’s been two years – I missed it” – Novak Djokovic on his return to the US
His match might have only lasted one set, but Novak Djokovic was delighted to be back in the US and to return to the Western and Southern Open. The Serb is now allowed to enter the country now that Covid-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory for visitors, and this is his first tournament back. “The … Continued
Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati (Zuma/Panoramic)
His match might have only lasted one set, but Novak Djokovic was delighted to be back in the US and to return to the Western and Southern Open.
The Serb is now allowed to enter the country now that Covid-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory for visitors, and this is his first tournament back.
“The Western & Southern Cincinnati Open in 2020 was played in New York, actually, because of the bubble, so I haven’t played here since 2019,” the former world No 1 told reporters after his win following Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s retirement.
“Time flies. You know, four years seems like it was yesterday, so it’s definitely nice to be back. I have had some really nice memories from this tournament. Winning it in 2018 obviously is a highlight for me, because it was the only Masters I hadn’t won for years. I think I lost four or five finals, mostly to Roger.
“But I did play well in the past, and was really glad to have a chance to come back to [the] States. It’s been two years. I missed it. Some of the biggest tournaments in our sport are played on American soil. I’m just excited to play some tennis.”
Djokovic faces Monfils next
Djokovic has reached seven Western and Southern Open finals, winning the title twice (2018, beating Roger Federer, and 2020, beating Milos Raonic). His five defeats came at the hands of Andy Murray (in 2008 and 2011) and Roger Federer (in 2009, 2012, and 2015).
He plays Gael Monfils in the next round – a player he has beaten 18 times on the bounce with no defeats.
“Hopefully that doesn’t change tomorrow!” laughed Djokovic.
