Novak Djokovic (Serbia) lost his first match in the United States in two years.
The Serb was paired with fellow Serb Nikola Kacic in the first round of the men’s doubles event at the Cincinnati Open ($6.6 million) on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour in Cincinnati, USA, on Friday (July 15), falling 0-2 (4-6, 2-6) to the pair of Jamie Murray (GBR)-Michael Venus (USA).
It was Djokovic’s first match in the United States since finishing runner-up at the US Open in September 2021.
After arriving in Australia in January last year and being effectively deported for not having a COVID-19 vaccine, Djokovic was unable to compete on American soil for the same reason.
However, he was able to compete in the U.S. this year after U.S. health officials changed their quarantine policy in May to allow unvaccinated foreigners to enter the country.
The match was also Djokovic’s first competitive match since losing to Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) in the Wimbledon singles final.
Djokovic, who has won a record 23 major singles titles, occasionally warms up in doubles.
Earlier this year, he played doubles in the first round of Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open and lost his first match.
If Djokovic survives to the final in singles at the Cincinnati Open, he will have the opportunity to play a “return match” with Alcaraz for the trophy.
Djokovic’s first opponent in the second round of singles will be Alejandro Davydovic Fokina (No. 23-Spain) on Saturday.
Djokovic will be looking for his fourth career title and 24th major championship at the US Open, 먹튀검증 which begins on August 28.