Djokovic won the first set 6-4, but two points into the second set, Fokina stooped down in pain after returning and the play was called off after 46 minutes.
Novak Djokovic won his first singles match in the United States since 2021 on Wednesday, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Western and Southern Open after the Spaniard retired early in the second set with a lower back issue.
During the Western & Southern Open, Novak Djokovic returns a shot against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con).
During the Western & Southern Open, Novak Djokovic returns a shot against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con).
Djokovic won the first set 6-4, but two points into the second set, Davidovich Fokina stooped over in pain following his return, and the play was called off after 46 minutes.
“Kind of mixed emotions tonight,” remarked Djokovic. “I adore Alejandro. Off the court, they get along great. While in Spain, we trained together. He said he has a lower back problem that started yesterday. It’s regrettable.”
Djokovic, 36, lost in doubles on his comeback to the country on Tuesday after skipping events due to COVID-19 vaccine restrictions. It’s his first visit to Cincinnati since 2019. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Western & Southern Open was held in New York.
It was Djokovic’s first singles match since losing in the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, the winner of a men’s-record 23 Grand Slam singles titles, will meet Frenchman Gael Monfils on Thursday, who is 0-18 against him in his career.
“Obviously, playing one set is better than not playing or losing,” remarked Djokovic. “I’ll try again tomorrow.” “I’m sort of shaking off the rust.”
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek has never reached the Cincinnati tournament’s quarterfinals, but she made a promising start to the week, defeating American qualifier Danielle Collins 6-1, 6-0.
“I didn’t feel confident in Cincinnati last year, so it’s a big step for me,” Swiatek said. “I feel like it’s going to boost my confidence a lot.” “I’m relieved that I’ll be able to play better tennis here this year.”
Swiatek will play Zheng Qinwen in the fourth round after the Chinese professional defeated Venus Williams, 43, 1-6, 6-2, 6-1, on Wednesday.
The most significant upset on the women’s side Linda Noskova, 18, beat ninth-ranked Petra Kvitova 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday. Last year in Cincinnati, Kvitova reached the final.
No. 4 Elena Rybakina defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4 in 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Fourth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has lost in the Cincinnati semifinals three years in a row, defeated American Ben Shelton in straight sets, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).
“With players like this, they really have nothing to lose,” observed Tsitsipas. “On the court, he’s still spiritually unfettered. He’s being irresponsible with the game, exactly like I was when I first started.”
For Americans, it was a good day.
No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula defeated qualifier Martina Trevisan in straight sets, 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-3. Coco Gauff, seeded eighth, defeated Mayar Sherif 6-2, 6-2.
The Masters 1000 tournament has been held in Cincinnati since 1899 and is the city’s oldest professional competition. Its future is uncertain, with a potential relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2026.
