Novak Djokovic On Wimbledon Loss: ‘I Was Over It In A Day’ | ATP Tour

Novak Djokovic way back let go the frustration he felt after shedding the Wimbledon last to Carlos Alcaraz.

“It isn’t the primary [nor] the final match that I misplaced, so I used to be over it in a day,” Djokovic stated forward of the Western & Southern Open. “Clearly, I wanted some actually good relaxation after that, and a while with my household, and that is what I did. So, after all, I used to be regretting not utilizing the probabilities throughout that last.

“I used to be [a] arrange and had some set factors within the second and I felt that I used to be near being within the lead. After which, clearly, some break factors within the fifth. It was an in depth match, however nicely deserved from his aspect, as a result of to win he performed higher within the necessary moments, and that is what I stated after the ultimate. I believe he was a deserved winner and that is it actually, just about. You progress on.”

The 36-year-old was one win from claiming his third main title of the season. This yr’s Australian Open and Roland Garros champion was well-positioned to make one other push for the Grand Slam — successful all 4 majors in a yr — however is comfortable to place that chase behind him and pursue new targets.

“I must clearly transfer on and attempt to regroup and discover motivation for what’s arising, and all of the challenges which can be forward of me, and that is why I am right here,” Djokovic stated. “In any other case, if I am not motivated, I would not be right here. Now, after a few years {of professional} tennis, I really feel like I’ve a option to play what I actually need to play. And I actually wished to be right here in Cincinnati, and naturally, [the] US Open [is] across the nook.”

Cincinnati has been a particular occasion for Djokovic. In 2018, the Serbian accomplished the Profession Golden Masters by successful all 9 ATP Masters 1000 titles on the match. He most not too long ago competed in Cincinnati in 2019. So after a break, he’s thrilled to return to motion in Ohio.

“Numerous household time, resting and preparation for the tournaments right here on American soil. It has been two years since I used to be final in America. So, after all, I am very excited and was very a lot wanting ahead to coming,” Djokovic stated. “I have not been in Cincinnati since 2019, so good to be again. Plenty of younger followers that I’ve seen the final couple of days on the apply courts, which is at all times nice to see and other people love their tennis.”

Djokovic practised on the venue for the primary time this yr Saturday night on centre court docket. Many followers waited to take an in depth take a look at the 38-time ATP Masters 1000 champion’s recreation.

“It was wonderful, to be sincere. I made a joke with my coach, and I requested him whether or not we’re [at] the correct court docket as a result of we thought it [was] a match. He really stated he thought it was a match taking place as a result of it [was] a match court docket,” Djokovic stated. “It is actually wonderful. I am very grateful for the presence of so many individuals on a apply session, which is wonderful. Once more, I did expertise some tournaments all through the world, related atmospheres when it comes to the good attendance on the apply courts.

“However I assume, for some time, nothing of this depth when it comes to the presence and the participation of the group, on the apply court docket. The apply factors that we performed in the present day, the environment was nice. Folks have been actually into it. As I discussed earlier than, numerous younger followers, which is at all times one thing I want to see. That offers me much more inspiration to play my finest tennis within the match.”

Djokovic will start his Cincinnati run towards Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Though this shall be his first match since his heartbreaking Wimbledon defeat, he is able to transfer ahead.

“I like the sensation that I’ve after 20 plus years {of professional} tennis. There’s nonetheless fireplace going,” Djokovic stated. “There’s nonetheless that drive and motivation to actually come on the greatest occasions in sport and attempt to win, attempt to win titles and attempt to carry some good sensation to the crowds.”