Djokovic returns to US after two years and eyes fourth US Open title

    Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player, is back in the US for the first time since 2021, ready to compete in two major tournaments on hard courts. The Serbian star, who is not vaccinated against Covid-19, will play at the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio, this week, and then at the US Open in New York later this month.

     Djokovic has not played in the US since he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the final of the 2021 US Open. He had applied for a visa to play at Indian Wells and Miami earlier this year, but he was not allowed to enter the country due to the Covid vaccine requirement for non-US travelers at that time. However, that rule was lifted in May, and Djokovic was able to travel to the US again.

     Djokovic told reporters on Sunday that he had no regrets about missing the US tournaments for two years, and that he was happy to be back. He said he had enjoyed a lot of success on American soil, winning many Masters 1,000 events and three US Open titles. He said he was excited to play at the Western & Southern Open and the US Open, which he called the pinnacle of the hard-court season.

     Djokovic is coming off a remarkable run of form this year, winning a record 23rd grand slam singles title at the French Open in June. He then reached the final of Wimbledon in July, but he was defeated by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match.

     Djokovic and Alcaraz, who are the top two players in the world rankings, will both play at the Western & Southern Open this week. They have both received byes into the second round. Djokovic will also play doubles with his compatriot Nikola Ćaćić on Tuesday. Djokovic’s first singles opponent will be either Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry, while Alcaraz will face Australia’s Jordan Thompson on Tuesday.

      Djokovic said he had moved on from his loss at Wimbledon in a day, and that he was looking forward to the hard-court swing. He said he still had the fire and motivation to compete at the highest level and try to win more titles. He also said he wanted to bring some good sensations to the crowd.

      Djokovic will aim to win his fourth US Open title this year, which would be his 24th grand slam singles title overall. The US Open starts on August 28 and ends on September 10.