Novak Djokovic starts U.S. return with comfortable victory as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retires
Novak Djokovic kicks off American return with comfortable win as Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retires
- Djokovic was gifted a victory after his Spanish opponent suffered a back injury
- The Serbian superstar will take on Gael Monfils, who previously defeated Alex de Minaur
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Everything is as it was for Novak Djokovic in his first match after a two-year absence from tennis in the United States.
The dominant Serb edged past opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round, who was forced to retire after dropping the first set 6-4 at the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday.
Djokovic has not competed in the United States since the 2021 US Open final and was subsequently refused entry to the country because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
He was far from his best in his 46 minutes of action, conceding break points at 1-1 before working his way out of trouble.
Davidovich Fokina took a medical time out from the court to treat a lower back problem while trailing 3-4 and when he returned his movement was restricted and he was broken in love.
Novak Djokovic pulled it off vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his second leg in the States
Davidovich Fokina had to retire after suffering a back injury at the start of the second set
The Serbian superstar takes on French veteran Gael Monfils, who previously defeated Alex de Minaur
Djokovic had a chance to serve out the set against the ailing Spaniard and played an unusually sloppy game, throwing a forehand into the net to return the break.
But the 23-time big winner bounced back and fired a forehand crosscourt passing shot in the next game to capture the opener.
In the first game of the second set, Davidovich Fokina took a step that further aggravated his back injury and shortly after walked to the net to shake hands with Djokovic.
“It’s great for me to be able to come back on the field and win a game, but of course mixed feelings about the way it ended,” said Djokovic.
“Nevertheless, I hope I can build up my form day by day and raise my level during the tournament.”
Next, Djokovic will meet the resurgent Gael Monfils, who beat Alex de Minaur in straight sets earlier in the day.
“He’s a great guy, someone I really respect and really like as a person,” added Djokovic, who has a stunning 18-0 record against the Frenchman.
“He brings so much joy to the fans, so much entertainment. He’s one of the most charismatic players we’ve had on tour in the last two decades and he’s playing better than ever.’
Djokovic, who has seen fans pack in his practice session and who played in a doubles match on Tuesday, could be on a collision course in the US Open alignment with world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated him in the Wimbledon final last month . .