Djokovic earns victory in Cincinnati on his return in US

Novak Djokovic was triumphant against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who had to withdraw with back issues after one set at the Cincinnati Open.

Novak Djokovic advances in Cincinnati after Davidovich Fokina retires due to injury.

Wishing you a speedy recovery! @alexdavidovich1 💙@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/AaspKoOBHm

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 17, 2023

Djokovic hadn’t played a single game in the US for 2 years due to Covid restrictions, but the Serb came back to his pivotal best.

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The 23-times Grand Slam winner clinched the first set 6-4, before Fokina was forced to retire with back injury.

It was the Serb’s first singles victory at Cincinnati Open since 2019.

“Time flies. Four years seems like it was yesterday. It’s definitely nice to be back,” said the world number two.

“But I played well in the past and was really glad to have a chance to come back to the States. It’s been two years – I missed it. Some of the biggest tournaments in our sport are played on American soil. I’m just excited to play some tennis.”

Djokovic will now face Gael Monfils in the next round.