Novak Djokovic’s doubts in Cincinnati

Novak Djokovicnumber 2 in the world, has not competed in the United States since US Open final lost in 2021 against Russian Daniel Medvedevand for his part, he never played on the tennis courts cincinnati since 4 years. After the trouble that he starred in his clear and controversial position in relation to the vaccine COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed by North American tournaments, Novak Djokovic He played again in Cincinnati on Wednesday against Davidovich. However, the match lasted only one set (4-6 in favor of the Serb) due to back pain suffered by the Spanish player, who was forced to leave the second round match. So, Novak made it clear that he did not have enough time to start looking for the right path to reach his best level on hard courts and showed the doubts that he needs to solve in the next match related to his adaptation to the surface this in American. courts, especially everyone, thinking about the next USA Open.

“Obviously playing a set is better than not playing I guess. So I still have a chance tomorrow. I feel like I can play better. As the tournament progresses, I will improve my game”, he pointed out after the clash against Davidovich and before facing Frenchman Gael Monfils in the round of 16.

“I haven’t played here since 2019, since the 2020 Cincinnati tournament was held in New York, with the bubble. Time flies, it’s been four years and it seems like yesterday, so it’s good to be back. I have very good memories of this tournament. Winning it in 2018 was a highlight for me because it’s the only Masters 1000 I haven’t won in years. He lost five finals and most against Roger Federer. But I played well in the past, I’m very happy to be back in the United States. Two years later, I missed a lot, some of the most important tournaments in this sport are played here, so I’m excited”, he commented on his return, although not able to draw too many conclusions from his game and the level he can reach. in this tournament.

“It’s hard to analyze, because the game was short, there weren’t many changes from the back of the court, I made a couple of breaks and it was all over very fast. I probably need a few sets to do things the right way,” he argued. “What surprised me was how fast everything went,” he continued, making sure “the ball here bounced hard and was alive alive.”

“It wasn’t like that during the training days, so it’s a bit difficult to control the ball, at least on Center Court… and I don’t know how it will be for others. As the tournament progresses, the player. feels more comfortable In the round of 16 I will have a new opportunity”.

IN THE EIGHTH, AGAINST MONFILS

Novak Djokovic will play this Thursday against Gael Monfils in the round of 16 of the Cincinnati tournament and before facing the French player he was full of praise for Gael. “I have a lot of good things to say about Monfils, but most of all it’s great to see him playing at a high level again after struggling with injuries over the years.”

“We cannot forget that Monfils is older than me, even if everyone talks about my age. It is worth saying that he is a year older. Tomorrow it will be a veteran duel, so it will be very interesting. Really, Gael is a fantastic guy. He brings a lot of entertainment and charisma to the circuit, the fans love him, the players love him, so it’s great to see him playing at such a high level.”