Novak Djokovic reveals he ‘was over’ Wimbledon loss ‘in a day’
Novak Djokovic has reflected on his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, as he returns to the States for the first time in two years.
Djokovic had won four consecutive Wimbledon titles before he was beaten by the Spaniard, 6-1 6(6)-7 1-6 6-3 4-6, in his first loss on Centre Court in 10 years.
However, as the Serb prepares to return he appears to have brushed that loss off quickly, “It’s not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day.”
He continued, “Obviously, I needed some really good rest after that, and some time with my family, and that’s what I did. So, of course, I was regretting not using the chances during that final. I was a set up and had some set points in the second, and I felt that I was close to being in the lead. And then, obviously, some break points in the fifth.
“It was a close match, but well deserved from his side, because to win he played better in the important moments, and that’s what I said after the final. I think he was a deserved winner and that’s it really, pretty much. You move on.”
Due to his Covid-19 vaccination status, Djokovic has not been in the United States since he was prevented from completing a historic Calendar Slam by Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 US Open final.
However, after a change in rules earlier this year Djokovic is returning to the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati before he heads to the final major of the year.
“I need to obviously move on and try to regroup and find motivation for what’s coming up, and all the challenges that are ahead of me, and that’s why I’m here,” explained the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“Otherwise, if I’m not motivated, I wouldn’t be here. Now, after many years of professional tennis, I feel like I have a choice to play what I really want to play. And I really wanted to be here in Cincinnati, and of course, the US Open is around the corner.”
Djokovic added, “It’s been two years since I was last in America. So, of course, I’m very excited and was very much looking forward to coming.”
?????? @CincyTennis #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/zSKHpQ9f19
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 13, 2023
Djokovic is the second seed in singles and will not need to play his first round match in the singles draw, awaiting the winner of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
As well as competing in singles, the 36-year-old is also part of the doubles tournament alongside his compatriot Nikola Cacic with their opening match against Jamie Murray and Michael Venus taking place later today.
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