Djokovic’s bid for a calendar yr Grand Slam after successful the Australian Open and French Open titles led to a five-set defeat on the All England Membership, however the 36-year-old mentioned he was over that disappointment in a day.
The Serbian will now goal to complete the season strongly, beginning with the US hardcourt swing. He’s returning to the nation for the primary time in two years after being denied entry attributable to being unvaccinated for COVID-19.
“I like the sensation that I’ve after 20 plus years {of professional} tennis. There’s nonetheless a hearth going,” Djokovic mentioned on the ATP web site forward of his Cincinnati opener towards Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
“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 convey some good sensation to the crowds.”
Djokovic will compete in Cincinnati for the primary time since 2019 as he prepares for the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 28.
“If I am not motivated, I would not be right here,” Djokovic added.
“After a few years {of professional} tennis, I really feel I’ve a option to play what I actually wish to. I actually needed to be in Cincinnati and naturally the U.S. Open is across the nook.”
The three-time US Open champion was given a style of the reception he’s prone to obtain with an enormous turnout for his apply session on Saturday.
“I made a joke with my coach and requested him whether or not we have been on the proper courtroom, as a result of we thought it was a match,” he mentioned. “It is actually superb. I am very grateful for the presence of so many individuals at a apply session.”
