Novak Djokovic returned to the United States for the first time in two years, and it was a happy return for the Serbian, who ended up with the Cincinnati Masters trophy.
Djokovic's last appearance in the US was at the 2021 US Open, when he made his way to the final only to lose to Daniil Medvedev. The age of the vaccine came after, and as Djokovic exercised his right not to get vaccinated, however, it meant that he couldn't enter the country.
You couldn't enter the US as an unvaccinated foreign national, and that was that. He missed all of the events in the US and Canada the following year and early this year. The Canadian Open was the first one he could have attended, but he opted for the ATP 1000 event in Cincinnati instead.
It was a good choice as he produced some amazing tennis to end up as the winner. He felt the support that he was grateful for. There was some doubt about how the fans would accept him, but it went about as well as you can hope.
Amazing. As I said on the court, fans the entire week, for all the players, I mean, I can speak on my behalf, were super kind, nice, supportive. They welcomed me with their open arms. The first practice session I had... Full stadium. It was amazing.
Couple years not being in USA, obviously I didn't know the way I'm going to be accepted by the fans or welcomed. It was a perfect week in every sense. I just have obviously big, big thanks to say and to give to all of them.
Djokovic should expect a similar reception at the US Open though it's been a problematic event for him in the past. He's played many finals there but often left without a trophy. Let's see what happens this year. He's already almost guaranteed to emerge as world number one after the event. Can he win the trophy too?
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