Novak Djokovic has returned to the United States of America after two long years to participate in the Cincinnati Open. The excitement over his return was evident as American fans thronged the stadium in which the 23-time Grand Slam winner was practicing. Fans on Twitter expressed their awe and disbelief at Djokovic’s fan following, which packed out a stadium for a practice session.
Djokovic himself addressed the incident, and termed it ‘amazing’. He said that he joked with his coach about it, adding that the presence of young fans drives him to give his best. The overwhelming show of support from the fans should give the Serbian an added boost as he embarks upon his American swing for the first time in a long while.
Americans have missed Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic’s anti-vaccine stance is no secret and the Serb has missed out on many tournaments because of that. His decision to not take the COVID-19 vaccine meant he was not allowed to enter the USA, one of the worst-affected nations, since 2021.
The Cincinnati Open will be Djokovic’s first appearance on American soil in two years, and American fans have understandably missed seeing him. A practice session was enough for the fans who have sorely missed the World No.2 to fill up the stadium. Fans on Twitter reacted to the rush caused by the Serb’s presence.
Novak Djokovic has filled an entire stadium in his return to USA by merely practicing.
There is not an empty seat in the house.
Novak Djokovic is bigger than tennis. pic.twitter.com/NmnXPw6LZc
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) August 13, 2023
Novak Djokovic practice might be the most packed thing happening right now at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/DqgBkzyeTh
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) August 15, 2023
Legendary tennis player Novak Djokovic has just entered the US since 2021 after Joe Biden prohibited players like him from playing on US soil for refusing an experimental vaccine.
This was the scene as he walked onto the court today— FOR PRACTICE.
Not an empty seat. pic.twitter.com/aRDp7Qswr2
— Danny De Urbina (@dannydeurbina) August 14, 2023
These crowds are not watching a match, they are watching Novak Djokovic simply having a practice session.
I guess the American fans are pleased to have him back on home soil @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/KN0VCyTJnI— Jon Phillips (@JonPhil86828440) August 14, 2023
This is insane!
The power of Novak Djokovic and what he represents ❤️ https://t.co/poejWk7XQJ
— Tennis Puneet (@TennisPuneet) August 14, 2023
he is loved!!!!!!!!!!! welcome back to the USA, Novak!
— Angeliki T. NYC( Vote Biden/Kamala in 2024 ) (@ellinidata) August 15, 2023
Take it from me, #Cincy has #NovakMania! He had a meet and greet/autograph session on the grounds. The line was like that freaking #Q in London. Ugh. Anywho, cute young boys and girls, elders, and gorgeous women all gathered for a chance to meet the worlds greatest!♥️
— Mary (@onemarymarks) August 15, 2023
Everyone wants a piece of the GOAT
— Lil Miss Idemo (@Nora_Belle2) August 15, 2023
Welcome back Nole @DjokerNole . You’ve been missed in US tennis
— Aicha D. (@YellowRoses423) August 14, 2023
We are thrilled to even have him on the same continent
— Jalil H (@jay_ih) August 14, 2023
The fact this stadium is almost all the way full just to watch Novak Djokovic practice is INSANE. https://t.co/Xkj6g3nZFf
— J.P. Hovey (@jhovey34) August 14, 2023
This is called the actual influence. Absolute goat stuff https://t.co/TJ67k3aZr5
— N (@StraightDrive99) August 15, 2023
My goodness! Look at the crowd just for some practice#djokovic https://t.co/T08wyc47bH
— Ali Yawer Usmani (@aliusmani) August 14, 2023
Djokovic will play his first singles match of the Cincinnati Open against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. He will look to get his singles tournament off with a win after facing defeat in the men’s doubles. Partnering up with compatriot Nikola Cacic, he fell at the first hurdle against Jamie Murray and Michael Venus.
Djokovic delighted with reception in the USA
Novak Djokovic returned to the USA after two years to an overwhelming reception from his American fans. The Serb admitted that he was awed by the fans filling up the stadium for a practice session. He talked about a joke he shared with his coaching staff, thinking they might be at the wrong stadium. He noted the number of young fans, stating that is what he wants to see and that it inspires him.
“It was amazing. I made a joke with my coach, asked him whether we are at the right court because we thought it was a match. Lots of young fans, which is always something I wish to see & that gives me even more inspiration to play my best tennis in the tournament.”
Djokovic will kick off his campaign against Fokina in what will be his first competitive singles match since losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz. He will hope to go all the way at the Cincinnati Open. The crowd will hope for the same as well, so they get to see their idol as much as possible.
