- Novak Djokovic feels great to be back on American soil
- The US government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued stringent Covid-19 regulations
- A part of these regulations was that all foreigners entering the US needed to show proof of vaccination
Novak Djokovic feels great to be back on American soil for the 2023 US Open and he has no regrets whatsoever over his absence at Flushing Meadows for two years.
The US government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued stringent Covid-19 regulations for all foreigners in 2020.
A part of these regulations was that all foreigners entering the US needed to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 which Djokovic refused to take.
Thus, he missed the 2021 and 2022 US Open tournaments besides missing out on action at the Australian Open where he was deported.
He also missed several ATP Masters events held in the US since 2021, 2022 and a part of 2023 when the Covid-19 regulations were still in place.
Novak Djokovic. Photo/Eurosport
The 2023 US Open is now his first appearance in two years. CDC lifted the vaccination requirement in May 2023 thereby allowing him unrestricted entry to New York.
He told Tennis365 that he feels excited that he made it back to the US in yet another maiden run for a 24th Grand Slam.
“I’m very excited to return to the country after two years; I’m very grateful for all the love that people are giving me,” said the 36-year-old tennis star.
The Serbian attributed his resilience to his mindset of overlooking what has happened and instead focusing on what’s ahead.
He has no regrets about missing the US Open in 2021 and 2022 due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Throughout my life I’ve really developed this kind of mindset that I don’t look back with regret on things. Things happening on the outside, the reason I was not here for two years, I have zero regrets. I’m glad to be back. I’ve had plenty of success on American soil.”
He has won three US Open Grand Slams in the past and his fans cite that he could have won more if he was allowed to play in 2021 and 2022.
His presence at the 2023 US Open is significant as he looks at getting even with Carlos Alcaraz who beat him at Wimbledon Finals.
Alcaraz denied Djokovic his seventh Wimbledon title and plans on staging yet another thrilling performance in New York as the defending champion.
Novak Djokovic will face Grigor Dimitrov in the next round. Photo/ Sportsnet.
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,” stated Djokovic.
Alcaraz’s technique was top notch that he broke all of Djokovic’s serves. His 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.
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