Novak Djokovic returns to America for the first time since the US Open dropout for the Cincinnati Open and says ‘I was really looking forward to coming’
- Djokovic was banned from entering the US last year for his refusal of a vaccine against Covid-19
- But the world number 2 has now returned to prepare for the US Open later this month
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After a two-year absence, Novak Djokovic is finally back in the US as the world No. 2 prepares for this week’s Cincinnati Open.
Djokovic was denied entry to America for last year’s US Open due to his refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine, which required non-citizens at the time to show full vaccination status to enter the country.
The three-time US champion was willing to step out of the final Grand Slam of the year to stick to his principles, a decision that helped Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz eventually win at Flushing Meadows.
While Covid-19 restrictions are now more relaxed around the world, Djokovic has been able to return to the United States for both the US Open and this week’s Cincinnati warmup.
He received a hero’s reception in the country on Monday when the standing room-only crowd gathered to watch his practice session at Mason two days before his opening round of 32 match.
Novak Djokovic says it is a “pleasure and an honor” to be back in America after a two-year absence
Djokovic was denied entry to the US last year for his refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine
And after receiving a warm reception from fans, Djokovic insisted it was a “pleasure and an honor” to return to America.
“It’s been two years since I was last in America, so of course I’m excited and really looking forward to coming,” he said.
“I haven’t been to Cincinatti since 2019, so nice to be back. I have seen a lot of young fans on the practice tracks in recent days, always nice to see.
“People love their tennis and of course for me as a player it is always a pleasure, an honor and a pleasure to be there and get so much support and attention. So I’m looking forward to participating this weekend.’
In fact, Djokovic was so surprised by the level of support that he asked his coach if they were on the right track for his practice session.
He added in an ATP Tour interview, “It was great, to be honest. I was joking with my coach, and I asked him if we (are) on the right track because we thought it was a match. He actually said he thought it was a game because it was a game field.
‘It’s really great. I’m very grateful for having so many people come to a practice session, which is great. Again, I’ve been through a number of tournaments around the world, similar atmospheres in terms of large attendances on the practice courts.
The Serb will try to recover from his last defeat at Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz
“People were really into it. Like I said before, a lot of young fans, that’s always something I like to see. That gives me even more inspiration to play my best tennis of the tournament.’
Djokovic will face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the round of 32.
Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in a thrilling Wimbledon final last month, has also arrived in Cincinnati ahead of his own 32-game round this week.
The current world No. 1 will face American star John Isner or Australian Jordan Thompson.