After losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz last month, Novak Djokovic claimed he still had in his belly as he prepared to compete in this week’s Cincinnati Open.
Starting with the U.S. hardcourt swing, the Serbian will now try to end the season strongly. He hasn’t been to the US for the first time in two years after being turned away for not having a COVID-19 vaccination.
Djokovic said on the ATP website during a conversation: “I like the feeling that I have after 20-plus years of professional tennis. There’s still a fire going. There’s still that drive and motivation to really come at the biggest events in sport and try to win, try to win titles, and try to bring some good sensation to the crowds.”
Djokovic will play in Cincinnati for the first time since 2019 as he gets ready for the U.S. Open, which begins on August 28.
He further added: “If I’m not motivated, I wouldn’t be here. After many years of professional tennis, I feel I have a choice to play what I really want to. I really wanted to be in Cincinnati and of course, the U.S. Open is around the corner.”
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWWWWWWWWL At the moment ranked no.2, Djokovic played his last encounter on the 16th of July when he was defeated by world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon (draw).
This season Djokovic owns a composed 33-5 win-loss record. The Serbian conquered 3 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open and French Open. Djokovic got to the final 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.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
LWLLWWWWWW Ranked world no.1, Carlos played his last match on the 11th of August when he lost to world no.13 Tommy Paul 6-3 4-6 6-3 in the quarter in Toronto (draw).
This season Alcaraz has achieved a composed 49-5 match record. Alcaraz clinched 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Alcaraz was the runner-up in Rio de Janeiro.
Alcaraz will compete next at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of August.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz squared off 3 times. Their current record is 2-1 for Alcaraz. Previously, the last time they played each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in the final in London (Wimbledon) on the 16th of July 2023.
Here are the highlights.
