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Second seed Novak Djokovic is thru to the third spherical of the Western & Southern Open after 46 minutes of play.
In his first match in Cincinnati since 2020, when he captured his second crown, and his first look on the Tour after the 2023 Wimbledon triumph, the Serbian star received the opening set towards Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, earlier than the Spaniard retired within the first recreation of the second set with a again damage.
“I hope Alejandro bounces again to the courtroom rapidly, recovers from his decrease again damage,” Djokovic mentioned in his post-match interview. “It’s by no means the way in which you prefer to win, I believe for the group as effectively. Coming in, they count on to see a battle, they count on to see a match. In fact it’s nice for me to have the ability to come again to the courtroom and win a match. Clearly combined feelings with the way in which it completed. However, I’m hoping that I can construct my kind day after day and progress by means of the event with elevating the extent.”
Match statistics: aces (3-4), double faults (2-0), winners (7-9), unforced errors (12-19), whole factors received (34-22).
Novak will subsequent meet Gael Monfils on Thursday about 20:30 native time (02:30 CET Friday). He holds an ideal 18-0 H2H file towards the Frenchman.
“He’s an incredible man. Somebody I actually respect and like as an individual,” Djokovic mentioned of Gael. “He brings a lot pleasure to the followers, a lot leisure. One of the crucial charismatic gamers that we’ve had prior to now 20 years on the Tour. It’s nice to see him again after a number of years of scuffling with accidents. He’s taking part in nearly as good as ever. He’s a 12 months older than me. All people talks about my age, however what about him! He’s doing wonderful, so it’s going to be a duel of the veterans tomorrow I suppose.”
Picture: Getty Pictures
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