Novak Djokovic loses his first match back in America – as his next opponent is confirmed
Novak Djokovic has played his first match in America since 2021 and it did not go according to plan for the Serbian legend.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has not been permitted entry to America since he lost the US Open final against Daniil Medvedev two years ago due to his Covid-19 vaccine status.
Despite that divisive issue, Djokovic has received a warm welcome on his return to Cincinnati, where he opted to play both singles and doubles as he prepares to play at the US Open later this month.
Teaming up with fellow Serb Nikola Cacic, Djokovic could not find a way past doubles specialist Jamie Murray and Michael Venus, who collected a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 win in front of a packed crowd.
Djokovic does not play doubles too often on the ATP Tour and this was only his second appearance in doubles in 2023 after he teamed up with Vasek Pospisil in Adelaide at the start of this year.
The match time on court will have been welcome for Djokovic, as he battled windy conditions in Cincinnati before he begins his singles campaign at the ATP 1000 event on Wednesday.
No 2 seed Djokovic has been handed a tough draw and now it has been confirmed that he will take on Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who is up to No 23 in the ATP Rankings after his run to the semi-final of the ATP 1000 event in Toronto last week.
Davidovich Fokina is an opponent who has given Djokovic problems in previous meetings, with his memorable win against one of the game’s all-time greats in Monte Carlo last year a career highlight for the Spaniard.
He also pushed Djokovic in the opening two sets of their thrilling encounter at the French Open in June, pushing his rival to two tie-breaks before finally falling to defeat in the third set.
If he beats Davidovich Fokina, Djokovic could be set to face a resurgent Gael Monfils, but that is a match-up that will send a shiver down the spine of the Frenchman as he has an 18-0 losing record in his matches with the former world No 1.
Djokovic will be ready to prove he is still a potent threat at the top of the game as he prepares to bounce back from his defeat in the Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz and he is relishing his return to America.
“It’s been two years since I was last in America, so of course I’m excited and was very much looking forward to coming,” said Djokovic.
“I haven’t been in Cincinnati since 2019, so nice to be back. Lots of young fans I have seen the last couple of days on the practice courts, which is always great to see.
“People love their tennis, and for me as a player of course it’s always a pleasure and honor and fun to be out there and receive that much support and that much attention. So I look forward to competing.”
Djokovic played a practice session in front of a packed crowd on Monday and he was clearly touched by the ovation he received.
“It’s really amazing,” he added. “I’m very grateful for the presence of so many people at a practice session, which is amazing.
“Again, I did experience some tournaments throughout the world, similar atmospheres in terms of the great attendance on the practice courts.
“People were really into it. As I mentioned before, lots of young fans, which is always something I wish to see. That gives me even more inspiration to play my best tennis in the tournament.”
