- Djokovic did not make it to Flushing Meadows in 2022 due to Covid-19 restrictions that were in place then
- Non-vaccinated foreigners were barred from entering the US and Djokovic was one of them
- He will play this year since all travel restrictions are off
World No. 2 Novak Djokovic is ready to settle scores with Carlos Alcaraz after his loss at Wimbledon.
Speaking shortly after the conclusion of the match, he said that he is looking forward to the US Open and having a rematch with Alcaraz.
The Spaniard is a defending champion – the US Open gave him his first Grand Slam at 19.
“I hope we get to play in US Open,” he said after a thrilling five-hour match where Alcaraz put up a spirited five-set performance.
Djokovic did not make it to Flushing Meadows in 2022 due to Covid-19 restrictions that were in place then.
Non-vaccinated foreigners were barred from entering the US and Djokovic was one of them. His refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 locked him out of all US tournaments in 2022 and part of 2023.
Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. Photo of Many
The 35-year-old Serbian missed out on the Miami Open over vaccination. However, the US government lifted all Covid-19 travel restrictions in May which allows him to play in New York in August.
Alcaraz overcame a previous loss at the French Open semi-final to Djokovic. His body gave in to the pressure of playing in the second Grand Slam of the year, more so in a clay court which he has a soft spot for.
In a match dotted by redemption and confidence, Alcaraz emerged the victor with 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
His technique was top notch that he broke all of Djokovic’s serves. Alcaraz’s backhand playing style got to Djokovic and broke him internally that they lost four sets to the Spaniard.
It was a tremendous match, and Alcaraz had an unbelievable performance. To win, he had to have unwavering self-confidence and consistently execute shots of the highest calibre throughout the course of five sets.
The 20-year-old said that even if he lost to Djokovic at Wimbledon, he still would be proud of his performance at the All England Court.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic to meet in Wimbledon men’s final. Photo/ Irish Examiner.
What sticks out for him is that he made history in an unimaginable way.
“It’s great to win but even if I had lost, I would be really proud of myself with this amazing run, making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of our sport,” an elated Alcaraz stated.
He further remarked: “It’s incredible, it’s a dream come true, to be able to play in these stages. It’s amazing, for a boy of 20 years old, I didn’t expect to reach this kind of situation really fast. I am really, really proud of myself.”
Despite the fact that Alcaraz’s career was already unmistakably on a trajectory that few 20-year-olds have equalled, the top seed’s performance at Wimbledon hastened all the ear-piercing anticipation.
It’s amazing how quickly he picked up new on-court skills despite spending the first few weeks of the grass-court season learning how to play without being so distracted by his balance and movement challenges.
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