Novak Djokovic has revealed that he got over the Wimbledon heartbreak against Alcaraz in a day.
The 7-time champion at SW19 had won four successive titles at All England Club before eventually dethroned by the 20-year old 6-1 6(6)-7 1-6 6-3 4-6 as he registered his first loss on Center court in 10 years.
However, Djokovic prepares to return to the US for the first time in two years claiming that he brushed off the Wimbledon loss in a day. “It’s not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day.”
He continued, “Obviously, I needed some really good rest after that, and some time with my family, and that’s what I did. So, of course, I was regretting not using the chances during that final. I was a set up and had some set points in the second, and I felt that I was close to being in the lead. And then, obviously, some break points in the fifth.
“It was a close match, but well deserved from his side, because to win he played better in the important moments, and that’s what I said after the final. I think he was a deserved winner and that’s it really, pretty much. You move on.”
Due to Covid-19 travel restrictions and his non-vaccinated status, the Serb was unable to compete at the New York major and ATP tour level events since 2021 US Open final when he was denied a historic Calendar slam by Daniil Medvedev. The hardcourt specialist is a 3-time Champion at New York with his most recent title coming at 2018 US Open.
However, the change of rules earlier this year have enabled the 23-time Grand Slam champion to return to the Cincinnati Masters after skipping Toronto Masters due to fatigue.
“It’s not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day.”
“I need to obviously move on and try to regroup and find motivation for what’s coming up, and all the challenges that are ahead of me, and that’s why I’m here,” explained the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“Otherwise, if I’m not motivated, I wouldn’t be here. Now, after many years of professional tennis, I feel like I have a choice to play what I really want to play. And I really wanted to be here in Cincinnati, and of course, the US Open is around the corner.”
Djokovic added, “It’s been two years since I was last in America. So, of course, I’m very excited and was very much looking forward to coming.”
Heading into the final major the season, the 36-year old is second seed in singles draw at Western and Southern Open,which means he will receive a R1 bye and will face winner of Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
While competing in the singles, Djokovic has also announced to play in doubles alongside countryman Nikola Cacic with the pair’s opening match scheduled against Michael Venus and Jamie Murray.