In a dramatic turn of events at the Western & Southern Open, Novak Djokovic secured his first singles victory on American soil since 2021. The Serbian tennis superstar’s opponent, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, was forced to retire due to a back injury during their second-round clash, granting Djokovic an advancement to the next round.
The match began with Djokovic displaying his prowess, taking the first set 6-4. Davidovich Fokina, who had previously taken a medical timeout in the first set, was grappling with a back injury that ultimately led to his retirement early into the second set. Djokovic’s consistent and calculated play had positioned him strongly in the match, but the retirement introduced an unexpected element to the contest.
Djokovic’s next challenge in the tournament will be facing another veteran of the sport, Gaël Monfils, in the third round. Both players are 36 years old, and their upcoming duel is anticipated to be a thrilling clash of experience and skill. Djokovic expressed his admiration for Monfils’ performance, noting that while much talk has centered around his own age, Monfils remains a formidable contender on the court.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Djokovic, who has been absent from US tournaments for the past two years due to Covid-19-related restrictions. Earlier this year, changes in vaccine requirements for non-US travelers allowed Djokovic to return to American soil for competitions. His last singles match in the United States prior to this victory was the 2021 US Open final, in which he faced defeat against Daniil Medvedev.
Reflecting on his absence from US tournaments, Djokovic shared that he holds no regrets for the past two years, emphasizing his current satisfaction at being able to make a comeback.
The conclusion of the match against Davidovich Fokina saw Djokovic break the Spaniard’s serve at 3-4, only to be broken back in the following game. Nevertheless, Djokovic sealed the first set with a powerful forehand that left his opponent stranded at the net. Tragically, two points into the second set, Davidovich Fokina was forced to pull up due to pain, ultimately retiring from the match. Djokovic expressed mixed emotions about the victory under these circumstances, acknowledging the disappointment for both the crowd and himself.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is aiming to secure his third Western & Southern Open title. His previous victory in the tournament was in 2020, a year characterized by the global pandemic, when the event was held in New York City. As Djokovic continues to navigate challenges and rivalries on his path to success, his return to the American courts after a prolonged absence remains a focal point for tennis enthusiasts around the world.
