There was plenty of excitement when Novak Djokovic announced he’d be playing the Cincinnati Open this year.
And, given the fact that both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz had withdrawn, it felt like an opportunity was brewing.
The last time he made the trip to Ohio was three years ago, when he beat the Spaniard in what is widely seen as the greatest best-of-three-set final of all time. Novak Djokovic then went on to win the US Open.
Many hoped he might repeat that feat, but instead suffered a shock early loss in the very first round to Thiago Agustín Tirante.
Now, speaking ahead of his first match back in New York, as he bids once again to try and claim his 25th major title, the Serbian superstar has explained how, whilst he never enjoys early losses, this particular one might have helped his US Open preparation.
Novak Djokovic explains the positive of his early loss at the Cincinnati Open
He began with a defiant claim befitting of such a legendary champion: “I mean, I don’t like early losses anywhere, to be honest.”
However, Djokovic then added: “But, it gave me time to prepare for the US Open in a most adequate way.
What would you now rate Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning the US Open?
“I had, you know, almost a few weeks, actually two weeks, to really train and get my body and mind into the right state, prepared for what’s coming up, so it remains to be seen.
“I mean, if you ask me if I’m prepared, I feel like I am, you know, as best as I can be. But, you know, it’s different training, and then getting out on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and playing best of five. You don’t normally play best of five in the practice session, so… Let’s see, let’s see how it goes.
“You know, the opening matches are always, for me, particularly in the last few years, quite challenging, so I hopefully can overcome the first hurdle and build from there.”
Djokovic has looked sharp in his US Open practice, but it is also worth noting how Djokovic recently stated he’s been dealing with a health issue. The hope is that this does not prove fatal to his hopes of winning this event.
Novak Djokovic’s confusing and conflicting physical condition ahead of the US Open
It’s hard to pin down exactly how Djokovic is feeling ahead of the US Open.
After all, whilst he may insist he feels prepared, the 39-year-old previously insisted he had not felt this physically prepared in years ahead of the Cincinnati Open, before he lost in the first round and made his health issue revelation.
Who will win this year’s US Open men’s singles event?
Vote now!
At the Grand Slams, he does have a legendary habit of playing his very best tennis.
And, with Sinner having withdrawn, he will arguably never get a better chance to mount a genuine challenge for the title.
The hope is that any positive fitness updates turn out to be the truth, rather than a desperate attempt to mask a real physical turmoil that is tormenting him behind the scenes.
