After two years in the COVID anti-vaxx wilderness Novak Djokovic is back in the States and eager to get stuck into his miminimal US Open preparation period as he plays the Cincinnati Masters.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner was just not in the mood to compete after losing the July Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz. Instead of travelling to Toronto for last week’s Masters he went on an extended family summer holiday.
Cincy should be his one prep tournament for the major at Flushing Meadows.
“I felt that my body and mind needed a break, so I took a few days on vacation with my family,” he said.
“I thought about what I could have done better to win the match.
The 36-year-old won the event here in 2018 and 2020 but has not played in the US for two years.
“I have to recover as quickly as possible and be ready to give my best for the exciting challenges that lie ahead,” he said. “If I weren’t motivated, I would stop playing.
“It’s exciting that after almost 20 years on Tour, to keep that inner fire that drives me to fight for big goals. I want to keep winning tournaments.”
“I really wanted to return to Cincinnati to prepare well for the tournament.”
“I’m very excited to return to the country after two years; I’m very grateful for all the love that people are giving me.”
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic with US Open trophy after beating Juan Martin del Potro in 2018 singles final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
