Novak Djokovic last appeared in the United States in 2021 at the US Open, and this week, he is prepared to play in several tournaments starting with the Cincinnati Open
He had not been in the U.S. due to his coronavirus vaccination status.
Over the weekend, Djokovic was greeted by a huge crowd that gathered around the dominant tennis star to watch him practice before he plays in Wednesday’s tournament.
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Novak Djokovic reacts during his five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Gentlemen’s Singles Final match on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 16, 2023, in London. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
“I made a joke with my coach and asked him whether we were at the right court, because we thought it was a match,” he said in an interview posted on the ATP website. “It’s really amazing. I’m very grateful for the presence of so many people at a practice session.”
He said he is still “motivated” to play in the best tournaments the sport has to offer.
“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,” he said. “If I’m not motivated, I wouldn’t be here.
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Novak Djokovic in action against Carlos Alcaraz in the Gentlemen’s Singles Final match on Centre Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 16, 2023, in London. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
“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.”
The U.S. lifted its COVID travel restrictions earlier this year. Djokovic’s vaccination status came to a head at the Australian Open last year when he was deported from the country over it. He came back this year to win the Grand Slam.
“Throughout my life I’ve really developed this kind of mindset that I don’t look back with regret on things,” he said via Tennis 365. “Things happening on the outside, the reason I was not here for two years, I have zero regrets. I’m glad to be back. I’ve had plenty of success on American soil.
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Novak Djokovic fields questions from the media during the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on Aug. 13, 2023 in Mason, Ohio. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“I’m very excited to return to the country after two years; I’m very grateful for all the love that people are giving me.”
