(Cincinnati) Novak Djokovic has shown his determination to keep winning as he only takes part in one tournament, the Cincinnati Masters 1000 which begins on Monday, to prepare for the United States Open after two years of absence on American soil for lack of being vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I’m very excited to come back to the country after two years,” Djokovic said Sunday at a press conference, saying he was “grateful for all the love” he receives in the United States.
“I really wanted to come back to Cincinnati to prepare myself well,” said the “Joker” before starting what will be his only tournament before the United States Open, which starts on August 28. “I think I can choose with total freedom where I want to play,” he explained.
“It’s amazing that after nearly 20 years on the tour, I still have that inner flame that drives me to fight for big goals. I want to keep winning tournaments,” said the Serb.
Absent from the courts since his loss in the Wimbledon final against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the Serb said he was eager to find sensations before the United States Open, where he will aim for a 24th Grand Slam success. He would then equal the record of Australian Margaret Court.
“I have to get back to my level as soon as possible and be ready to give my best for the thrilling challenges ahead of me,” he explained. »
A winner in Cincinnati in 2018 and 2020, the 36-year-old will face Toronto semi-finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round on Wednesday.
Djokovic will also seek to regain his place as world No.1 in a duel at the top with Alcaraz, who he could find in the final in the Midwest.
His return to the United States sparked excitement in Cincinnati, where fans filled the stands to see the Serb in a practice session on Sunday.
But heavy rain prevented games from starting in Cincinnati on Monday. The organization of the tournament did not specify when the meetings could begin.
