Novak Djokovic will get telling reception by US crowd in loss to Jamie Murray

Novak Djokovic acquired a heat welcome from the American followers as he returned for the primary time in two years. The world No 2 final performed a match within the States on the 2021 US Open, shedding within the ultimate. And it was like he had by no means been away because the Cincinnati Open crowd cheered him on as he paired up with Nikola Cacic within the doubles, shedding 6-4 6-2 to Jamie Murray and Michael Venus.

Djokovic has been unable to compete in America for the final two years because of Covid vaccine journey necessities. Without the jab, he was banned from coming into the nation to play tournaments within the likes of Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati.

He made his long-awaited return on the latter occasion on Monday, becoming a member of forces with Cacic within the doubles draw. It was a short outing on the match’s Stadium 3 court docket for the Serbian duo as they lasted simply 65 minutes in opposition to Murray and Venus. But that did not cease the followers from having fun with their first glimpse of Djokovic since 2021.

The match’s third-biggest present court docket was packed stuffed with spectators who have been excited to see the 23-time Grand Slam champion, cheering on his winners and unreturned serves.

Djokovic and Cacic had possibilities to interrupt 3 times within the opening set however could not capitalise on them. With the singles world No 2 serving to remain in it at 4-5, the seasoned doubles professionals wanted only one break level to take the opening set. And they breezed by way of the second, dropping simply 4 factors on serve.

While he’s already out of the doubles, the 36-year-old will start his singles marketing campaign on Wednesday after receiving a bye into the second spherical. And he can count on one other nice reception when he steps onto the singles court docket after proving to be a fan favorite in his match in opposition to Murray and Venus.

Ahead of his return to Cincinnati and the US, Djokovic stated: “I really wanted to return to Cincinnati to prepare well for the tournament.” And he made the correct determination, even drawing enormous crowds for his observe classes earlier than the match began.