Out of exile: Novak Djokovic wins first match on American soil since 2021
- Michael Schmitt
- 17 August 2023
The Serb's comeback from Covid exile was cut short by an injury to opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Novak Djokovic made a triumphant return to action on US soil at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati on Wednesday, although the match itself did not live up to expectations.
The Serbian had been barred from entering the US due to not being vaccinated against Covid-19 for the better part of two years but is finally clear to play in America again after the country's vaccine requirements for non-US travelers were lifted earlier this year.
Asked about his lengthy absence, Djokovic said: "The reason why I was not here for two years, I have zero regret on that. I'm just glad to be back."
Djokovic has a history of success at the Western & Southern Open, having won it in 2018 and 2020 (when it was held in New York).
Making his first appearance since losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic's clash against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina lasted just one set before the Spaniard had to withdraw due to an injury.
During the first set against Davidovich Fokina, the Spaniard faced a back issue and took a medical timeout. He returned but was ultimately forced to retire from the match early in the second set, with the match lasting for a total of 46 minutes.
"I hope Alejandro bounces back to the court quickly, recovers from his lower back injury, that's what he told me at the net," Djokovic said post-match.
"It's never the way you like to win, I think for the crowd as well. Coming in, they expect to see a battle, they expect to see a match. Of course it's great for me to be able to come back to the court and win a match. Obviously mixed emotions with the way it finished. Nevertheless, I'm hoping that I can build my form day to day and progress through the tournament with raising the level."
Djokovic faced some challenges early on against Davidovich Fokina - a semi-finalist in Toronto last week - and needed to save two early break points, but he soon found his rhythm and started dominating the baseline exchanges. With the score at 3-4, Davidovich Fokina had to leave the court for medical treatment and that was the end of the match as a serious contest.
Djokovic will be back in action on Thursday against Gael Monfils.
"He's an amazing guy. Someone I truly respect and like a lot as a person," he said of the Frenchman. "He brings so much joy to the fans, so much entertainment. One of the most charismatic players that we've had in the past two decades on the Tour.
"It's great to see him back after several years of struggling with injuries. He's playing as good as ever. He's a year older than me. Everybody talks about my age, but what about him! He's doing amazing, so it's going to be a duel of the veterans tomorrow I guess."
