Novak Djokovic was 'over' Wimbledon final loss to Carlos Alcaraz 'in a day', says he has 'fire' ahead of US Open
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Updated 14/08/2023 at 22:38 GMT
When Novak Djokovic returns to action in Cincinnati this week it will be a month since he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. The 23-time major champion says he moved on quickly from the defeat and now has the "fire" for success as he prepares for the US Open later month. As well as his customary singles, Djokovic is also turning out in the doubles in Cincinnati alongside Nikola Cacic.
Djokovic 'excited' at prospect of return to tennis in the US
Novak Djokovic says he was “over” his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the space of a day, and has the “fire” to win trophies this summer.
Djokovic came up just short in his bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title as he was beaten in a thrilling five-set match by Alcaraz.
The Serb hasn’t played since, but makes his return at this week’s Cincinnati Masters. He has revealed he did not dwell on his defeat to Alcaraz for long and is eager to “move on”.
“It's not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day,” he said.
“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.
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Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz after the Wimbledon final
Image credit: Getty Images
“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.
“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 will be playing in the USA for the first time since losing in the final of the 2021 US Open.
He was not able to travel to North America in 2022 or earlier this year due to being unvaccinated, but entry laws have now changed.
That means he has a shot at a third Cincinnati title before targeting Grand Slam No. 24 at the US Open, which starts on August 28.
“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,” he said.
“I haven't been in Cincinnati since 2019, so nice to be back. Lots of young fans that I've seen the last couple of days on the practice courts, which is always great to see and people love their tennis.”
Djokovic starts against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Wednesday.
He is also playing doubles at the event alongside fellow Serb Nikola Cacic.
While Djokovic may be entering the twilight of his career, he says he remains motivated to win.
“I like the feeling that I have after 20 plus years of professional tennis. There's still fire going,” he said.
“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.”
Djokovic could meet world No. 1 Alcaraz in the final of the latest Masters tournament of the year, after Jannik Sinner won last week in Toronto.
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