Djokovic ‘didn’t know if US fans would accept him’ as Serb addresses treatment

Novak Djokovic admitted that he didn’t know what to expect from American tennis fans as he returned to the country for the first time in two years. The world No 2 won the Cincinnati Open on his return to the US after Covid vaccine travel requirements previously stopped him from competing. But he was pleasantly surprised after packing out the courts from day one.

Djokovic made a winning return to the States as he outlasted Carlos Alcaraz in a three-hour-and-49-minute epic to lift the title in Cincinnati on Sunday. It marked his first tournament in the country since the 2021 US Open, where he lost in the final.

The 36-year-old has since missed last year’s US Open as well as two editions of the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami because of his unvaccinated status and only returned after restrictions were lifted. And he said his first experience back in Cincinnati was “amazing” – a good indicator of what to expect at the US Open.

“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,” Djokovic said after winning his 95th career title. “They welcomed me with their open arms. The first practice session I had… Full stadium. It was amazing.”

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But the 23-time Major champion went into the tournament doubting whether he would be welcomed back by the American fans. Djokovic added: “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.”

The world No 2 will now move onto the US Open, where he is bidding to lift the trophy for the first time since 2018. In his last outing at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic received overwhelming support from the crowd and was left in tears thanks to the response.

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After losing to Daniil Medvedev in the championship match, the Serb said the love from the fans meant just as much to him as winning the title. “Even though I have not won the match, my heart is filled with joy and I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me feel very special on the court. You guys touched my soul,” he said in his runner-up speech.

Djokovic can now hope for a similar reaction from the fans in New York based off of his experience in Cincinnati. The three-time US Open champion will be in the bottom half of the draw as the second seed, meaning another showdown with Carlos Alcaraz in the final could be on the cards.

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