Novak Djokovic is finally back in the US after a two-year absence as he prepares for this week’s Cincinnati Open. Last year’s US Open entrance was denied to Djokovic because of his refusal to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Djokovic was given a hero’s welcome upon his return to the country on Monday as a standing room two days prior to his first match in the round of 32. After receiving an inspiring welcome from the crowd, Djokovic stated that it was an honor and pleasure to have come back to America.
Recently, Djokovic and Polish Hubert Hurkacz were seen practicing together in a video shared on social media and to witness his practice, a large crowd gathered in Cincinnati.
Djokovic stated during a conversation: “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. 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.”
https://twitter.com/_think_alpha/status/1691162685151354880?s=20
Djokovic & Hurkacz practice ahead of @CincyTennis💙
Full session ➡️ Youtube pic.twitter.com/d1vjMZXZZp
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 14, 2023
Novak Djokovic in 2023
WLWWWWWWWW Now the world no.2, Djokovic played his last match on the 16th of July when he lost to world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon (draw).
Currently, during this year Novak owns a compiled 33-5 win-loss record. The Serbian conquered 3 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open and French Open. Djokovic was the finalist in Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 2nd of October and Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 30th of October.
Hubert Hurkacz in 2023
Now the world no.20, Hubert played his last match on the 10th of August when he was defeated by world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 3-6 7-6(2) 7-6(3) in the 3rd round in Toronto (draw).
This year Hurkacz owns a compiled 27-17 win-loss record. This year, Hubert won 1 tournament in Marseille.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 2nd of October and Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 30th of October.
Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz faced off 6 times. Their actual head to head record is 6-0 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they competed against each other, Novak Djokovic won 7-6(6) 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4 in the 4th round in London (Wimbledon) on the 10th of July 2023.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
