Djokovic's return to US for first time in two years confirmed at Cincinnati Open, also signs up for doubles

Tuesday, 01 August 2023 at 12:00

Novak Djokovic is set to return to US soil for the first time since 2021 at the Cincinnati Open, where he will also play in doubles.

23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has had difficulty entering various countries over the last few years after he refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Consequently, the Serb has not been able to compete in North America since he finished second at the US Open in 2021.

However, earlier this year the US ended emergency COVID restrictions which had banned unvaccinated travelers from entering the country as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the Public Health Emergency caused by the pandemic.

This means that the world No. 2 is free to return to US tournaments, and is now set to compete at the Cincinnati Open, a Masters 1000 event on the ATP Tour.

Djokovic back in singles and doubles

It certainly seems as though Djokovic is embracing being back on the North American swing, as he is set to compete in singles and men's doubles at Cincinnati, where he will partner up with his compatriot Nikola Cacic.

Djokovic has already won the tournament twice in singles, beating Roger Federer in 2018 6-4, 6-4, before defeating Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 2020. However, he is not a regular in doubles, although he planned to compete in the discipline alongside Filip Krajinovic in 2020, but later had to withdraw due to neck pain.

Only warm-up event before US Open

This event comes not long after the 36-year-old's disappointment at Wimbledon, where the seven-time champion lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final, therefore just missing out on equalling Federer's record of 8 wins at the tournament. Following this, Djokovic had to withdraw from the Canadian Open, citing burnout from the SW19. In a statement, he said,

"I have always enjoyed my time in Canada but after speaking with my team, we believe this is the right decision to take. I would like to thank Karl Hale, the tournament director, for understanding this decision. I really hope I can return to Canada and Toronto in the coming years to play in front of great fans there."

This withdrawal means that the Cincinnati Open will be Djokovic's only warm-up event before the US Open, where he will be hoping to put his Wimbledon troubles behind him by attempting to win his fourth title at the Grand Slam.