Novak Djokovic has not played in the United States since the 2021 US Open. The first individual is a quick affair for the record man – without him being able to do anything about it.
Record Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic is in the round of 16 at the Masters in Cincinnati. Opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina from Spain gave up injured in the first round match after the 4:6 in the first set. The tennis world number two now meets the Frenchman Gael Monfils.
“Mixed feelings tonight,” Djokovic commented on his progress. “I really like Alejandro. We get along well off the pitch and we train together in Spain. He told me he has a lower back problem since yesterday. It’s unfortunate.”
Venus Williams is eliminated
For the 36-year-old Serb, it was the first singles match in the United States since losing the final at the US Open 2021. Djokovic has not been active in the country since then because he was not allowed to enter the country due to regulations to combat the corona pandemic .
The US Open begins on August 28th in New York. Djokovic has won the last major of the year three times in his career and has been in the final nine times.
At the parallel WTA tournament in Cincinnati, Venus Williams was eliminated in the second round. The seven-time major winner lost to Qinwen Zheng of China 6-1, 2-6, 1-6.