Novak Djokovic has ‘zero regrets’ over not getting Covid vaccine

Novak Djokovic ended a two-year absence from the United States with a default first-round victory on the Cincinnati Open on Thursday. But the Serb insists he has no regrets about his Covid vaccination stance that has saved him in a foreign country because the begin of the worldwide well being pandemic.

The world No. 2 made his first look on US soil for twenty-four months on Wednesday when he misplaced a doubles match with Nikola Cacic in opposition to Jamie Murray and Michael Venus 6-4, 6-2. But it was plain crusing within the singles 24 hours later after Djokovic received his first set 6-4 in opposition to Alejandro Davidovich Fokin earlier than the Spaniard was compelled to retire with a again downside.

Djokovic has not performed singles in Cincinnati since 2019 because of the worldwide influence of coronavirus. The 36-year-old Serb was probably the most high-profile sportspeople to refuse a Covid-19 vaccination jab.

His private choice got here to a head previous to the Australian Open final 12 months when he was deported from the nation because of his vaccination standing, solely to return 12 months later and win the Grand Slam match.

Strict Covid-19 guidelines within the US had seen Djokovic lacking from the Stateside of the tour for the previous two years, however with restrictions now lifted, the Serb is again and has obtained a heat welcome in Ohio.

Speaking about his absence, he mentioned: “Throughout my life I’ve really developed this kind of mindset that I don’t look back with regret on things. Things happening on the outside, the reason I was not here for two years, I have zero regrets. I’m glad to be back. I’ve had plenty of success on American soil.

“I’m very excited to return to the nation after two years; I’m very grateful for all of the love that individuals are giving me.”

All-time nice Djokovic is showing at his first aggressive match since shedding the Wimbledon last to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller last month.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner will be hoping for a deep tournament run in Cincinnati as he warms up for the US Open in New York, which kicks off on August 28 at Flushing Meadows.

Prior to this week, his last appearance on US soil was in the US Open final in 2021, when the Serb was beaten by Russian star Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. But it’s even longer since he appeared in Cincinnati Open and speaking after his match against Davidovich Fokin, the three-time US Open winner insisted that he was delighted to be back.

Djokovic said: “Time flies. Four years looks as if it was yesterday. It’s positively good to be again,” said the world number two, who will next face Gael Monfils. I’ve had some really nice memories from this tournament.

“Winning it in 2018 clearly is a spotlight for me, as a result of it was the one Masters I hadn’t received for years. I feel I misplaced 4 or 5 finals, largely to Roger [Federer].

“But I played well in the past and was really glad to have a chance to come back to the States. It’s been two years – I missed it. Some of the biggest tournaments in our sport are played on American soil. I’m just excited to play some tennis.”