Djokovic ‘did not know if US followers would settle for him’ as Serb addresses remedy
Novak Djokovic admitted that he didn’t know what to anticipate from American tennis followers as he returned to the nation for the primary time in two years. The world No 2 won the Cincinnati Open on his return to the US after Covid vaccine journey necessities beforehand stopped him from competing. But he was pleasantly stunned after packing out the courts from day one.
Djokovic made a profitable return to the States as he outlasted Carlos Alcaraz in a three-hour-and-49-minute epic to elevate the title in Cincinnati on Sunday. It marked his first match within the nation because the 2021 US Open, the place he misplaced within the ultimate.
The 36-year-old has since missed final 12 months’s US Open in addition to two editions of the Masters occasions in Indian Wells and Miami due to his unvaccinated standing and solely returned after restrictions have been lifted. And he mentioned his first expertise again in Cincinnati was “amazing” – a great indicator of what to anticipate on the US Open.
“As I said on the court, fans the entire week, for all the players, I mean, I can speak on my behalf, were super kind, nice, supportive,” Djokovic mentioned after profitable his ninety fifth profession title. “They welcomed me with their open arms. The first practice session I had… Full stadium. It was amazing.”
But the 23-time Major champion went into the match doubting whether or not he can be welcomed again by the American followers. Djokovic added: “Couple years not being in USA, obviously I didn’t know the way I’m going to be accepted by the fans or welcomed. It was a perfect week in every sense. I just have obviously big, big thanks to say and to give to all of them.”
The world No 2 will now transfer onto the US Open, the place he’s bidding to elevate the trophy for the primary time since 2018. In his final outing at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic obtained overwhelming help from the gang and was left in tears due to the response.
After shedding to Daniil Medvedev within the championship match, the Serb mentioned the love from the followers meant simply as a lot to him as profitable the title. “Even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special on the court. You guys touched my soul,” he mentioned in his runner-up speech.
Djokovic can now hope for the same response from the followers in New York primarily based off of his expertise in Cincinnati. The three-time US Open champion will likely be within the backside half of the draw because the second seed, which means one other showdown with Carlos Alcaraz within the ultimate may very well be on the playing cards.