Djokovic relishing US return
Novak Djokovic is back at a tournament in the United States for the first time in two years and is preparing to make the most of his new opportunity at the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Open.
The Serb who refused to get vaccinated for Covid and was denied entry to the States during the latter years of the pandemic is keen to get stuck into the final major tuneup prior to the US Open starting in a fortnight.
The 36-year-old won in Cincinnati in 2018 and 2020 and will face either Toronto semi-finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round on Wednesday.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will be competing for the first time since losing the Wimbledon final last month to Carlos Alcaraz; that pair will also duel for the number one title this week in the Midwest.
"I have to recover as quickly as possible and be ready to give my best for the exciting challenges that lie ahead," Djokovic said. "If I weren't motivated, I would stop playing.
"It's exciting that after almost 20 years on Tour, to keep that inner fire that drives me to fight for big goals. I want to keep winning tournaments."
Djokovic's US return has generated excitement in Cincinnati, where fans packed out stands to watch the Serbian in a practice session on Sunday.
Djokovic added that entering the New York Grand Slam with just one preparation tournament will be enough of a tune-up.
"I feel that I can choose with total freedom where I want to play. I really wanted to return to Cincinnati to prepare well for the tournament."
Djokovic also has his mind on Flushing Meadows after missing the last two editions due to his hardline vaccine stance.
"I'm very excited to return to the country after two years; I'm very grateful for all the love that people are giving me."
Meanwhile, heavy rain prevented the start of play in Cincinnati on Monday.
"Due to rain, the start of play is delayed," tournament organisers said in a brief statement.
"We will provide further updates when conditions begin to improve."
With scattered thunderstorms forecast throughout the Cincinnati region on Monday, it remained unclear when or if play would start.
-
The Future of Tech: The Desktop PCWill there be an 'Eternals' sequel? Patton Oswalt seems to think so宣讲政策 培训指导North Korea highlights incentive system in agriculture共同推动雅安职工思想政治引领数智化发展工作做深做实Documentary on North Korea's TB to be aired MondayNadal stunned by Paul in ParisTarot card readings on TikTok and Tumblr are reinventing the art form高燃!哨响表停赛不止,2024广东“村BA”开赛在即,一分钟带你重温高光瞬间。Tarot card readings on TikTok and Tumblr are reinventing the art form
- ·Pope says England are not 'one
- ·筑牢医疗器械“安全网”
- ·Super Tuesday: What happens to early votes cast for Buttigieg and Klobuchar?
- ·France to cast aside doubts going into World Cup
- ·古物:回望时间的印记
- ·Gmail won't mark political fundraising emails as spam anymore
- ·The best climate change documentaries you need to watch
- ·Fox News' Laura Ingraham has a hilarious blunder while talking about the show 'You'
- ·“新丰味”喜获中国首届县域品牌擂台赛十大营销创新品牌
- ·无偿献血志愿者:拒绝吸烟 确保献血质量
- ·让古树更“古” 让名木更“名”
- ·Families from South and North Koreas share dishes at reunions [PHOTOS]
- ·蒙顶山茶有了专属茶器
- ·Seoul still hopeful on denuclearization talks
- ·Simple fix helps perovskite solar cells withstand the Sun
- ·How to create an "Add yours" story on Instagram
- ·Malan retires from international cricket
- ·Kazakh Tourism hosts roadshow in Seoul
- ·Dog trainers learned to love Zoom sessions. You should too.
- ·子孙孝顺 家庭和睦
- ·50 Years Later: The Revolutionary 8008 Microprocessor
- ·'Gossip Girl' is the only Thanksgiving content these Twitter users need
- ·Spy chief visits Tokyo to report on NK visit
- ·Pets have no idea it's daylight savings time, and it's going to be a rough week
- ·广东超一半的北运淡水鱼来自这里!全链发力打响“南海鱼”金字招牌
- ·St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, Lamar Johnson, and the power of progressive prosecutors.
- ·Trump trials: Jack Smith is reportedly reconsidering his strategy.
- ·National Dog Show 2021 photos and results: Claire becomes first repeat winner in 20 years
- ·National Dog Show 2021 photos and results: Claire becomes first repeat winner in 20 years
- ·Information Center on North Korea brings scholars from abroad
- ·“大体老师”的故事:以生命点亮生命
- ·14 coolest Tesla features that put your regular car to shame
- ·Google TV is adding 50 free live channels. Here's the list.
- ·TikTok's viral 'talking' dogs and cats inspire a study of animal behavior
- ·一针一线串起两代人的传承故事
- ·Slate News Quiz: Super Tuesday, coronavirus, Supreme Court.