Novak Djokovic confirms New York trip, chasing Cincinnati and US Open crowns

The 19-time Major champion Novak Djokovic has confirmed the USA trip, entering Cincinnati and the US Open draw. Both events will take play in New York at the end of the month and Djokovic will seek titles as the top seed, without Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as his main rivals. Novak has been working hard on his game in Marbella, preparing for the trip in a couple of days and hoping to play at his best after such a long break. In his last tournament of the season so far, the Serb claimed the title in Dubai in February, looking for more of the same on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the upcoming weeks.

Djokovic is yet to lose a match in 2020, leading Serbia towards the ATP Cup title and conquering the eighth Australian Open crown, becoming world no. 1 again. Last year, Djokovic lost both trophies to Daniil Medvedev and Stan Wawrinka, eager to get back at least one and stay on Rafael Nadal's and Roger Federer's trail. In New York, Wawrinka had a 6-4, 7-5, 2-1 lead over Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 2-1 before the Serb had to retire due to a shoulder injury. Novak wasn't at his best already at the first practice in New York, still managing to win three matches before facing a former champion who knows how to play big encounters against the most significant rivals, scoring already the fourth victory versus Novak at Majors. 

In 2019, Novak lost in the semi-final in Cincinnati, retiring at the US Open.

"I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited. During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center. I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY. Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions.

I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis. I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field. Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best," Novak Djokovic said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fUef4c