Novak Djokovic ended a two-year absence in the United States with a default first-round victory at the Cincinnati Open on Thursday. But the Serbian insists he has no regrets about his stance on Covid vaccination that has kept him out of the country since the start of the global fitness pandemic.
The world No. 2 made his first appearance on American soil in 24 months on Wednesday when he lost a doubles match with Nikola Cacic to Jamie Murray and Michael Venus 6-4, 6-2. But everything went well in singles 24 hours later, after Djokovic won his first set 6-4 against Alejandro Davidovich Fokin before the Spaniard was forced to retire with a back problem.
Djokovic has not played singles in Cincinnati since 2019 due to the global effect of the coronavirus. The 36-year-old Serbian was one of the most prominent athletes who refused vaccination against Covid-19.
His personal decision came to a head before last year’s Australian Open when he left the country due to his vaccination status, only to return 12 months later and win the Grand Slam tournament.
Strict Covid-19 regulations in the U. S. The U. S. forced Djokovic out of the U. S. tour. He has been in the U. S. for more than two years, but now that restrictions have been lifted, the Serbian is back and has earned a welcome in Ohio.
Speaking of his absence, he said, “Throughout my life, I’ve developed this kind of mindset of not looking at things with regret. The things that happen outside, the explanation of why I wasn’t here for two years, I have it. I don’t regret it, I’m satisfied to be back, I’ve been very lucky on American soil.
“I’m very excited to be coming home after two years; I’m so grateful for all the love other people give me. “
The wonderful Djokovic is playing his first competitive tournament since losing in the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set mystery last month.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner hopes to play in a deep tournament in Cincinnati as he prepares for the U. S. Open in New York, which begins Aug. 28 in Flushing Meadows.
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Before this week, his last appearance on American soil in the 2021 US Open final, when the Serbian beat Russian star Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, but it’s been even longer since he made the impression at the Cincinnati Open and, speaking after his attack on Davidovich Fokin, the three-time US Open winner insisted he was excited to be back.
Djokovic said: “Time flies. Four years is like yesterday. It’s great to be back,” said the world number two, who will then face Gaël Monfils. I have very good memories of this tournament.
“Winning it in 2018 is clearly a highlight for me, because it’s the only Masters I haven’t won in years. I think I lost 4 or five finals, basically to Roger [Federer].
“But I played well in the future and was pleased to have the possibility to return to the United States. It’s been two years and I missed it. Some of the most important tournaments in our sport are played on American soil. I’m excited to play tennis. “