CINCINNATI.- Three years after his last triumph, Novak Djokovic returns to Cincinnati Masters 1000 as a great candidate in the absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcarazwho are trying to recover from their injuries in time to compete in the US Open.
Djokovic, like the German Alexander Zverev and other applicants, is facing a golden opportunity in this edition of Cincinnati that will run from Thursday to August 23.
The Italian Sinner, world number one, refused to travel to the state of Ohio due to a problem in his right knee that he does not want to threaten his presence in the United States Open, the last event of grand slam of the year.
Alcaraz has not ruled out his presence at the big event either. New Yorkwhere he must defend the title, although he has been out of action since April due to a wrist injury.
The Spaniard, second in the ranking of the ATPis the current champion in Cincinnati, where he beat Sinner in the last final, who retired due to physical discomfort after only 20 minutes of play.
Fight without rest
The disappointment over this failed duel between the two dominators of the circuit contrasts with the memorable battle fought between Djokovic and Alcaraz in the 2023 final, in which the Serbian emerged victorious after almost four hours.
The Serbian giant tore his shirt with pure emotion after prevailing in the longest three-set final the circuit has seen since at least 1990.
That victory was the third for “Nole” in Cincinnati, after those in 2018 and 2020, and his 39th in Masters 1000 tournaments.
In the second half of 2023 he achieved his 40th Masters 1000 crown in Paris and the 24th Grand Slam at the United States Open, both ATP records.
At 39 years old, Djokovic continues to fight tirelessly to round out his incomparable showcase with a 25th Grand Slam title, whose best option could be the next US Open if Sinner and Alcaraz do not arrive in good physical condition.
New opportunity for jewelry
With this goal in mind, Djokovic will try to gain momentum in Cincinnati after a month without competing following his defeat in the semifinals of Wimbledon before Sinner.
The Balkan did not attend Montreal Masters 1000which will conclude on Thursday, coinciding with the start in Cincinnati.
Djokovic, released from playing the first round, could debut against the Argentine Thiago Tiranteif the South American surpasses the British in his debut Jan Choinski.
Zverev, who will be Cincinnati’s first seed, must exercise his authority this time after his shocking elimination in his debut in Montreal, where he was also the first seed.
The new Spanish jewel Rafael Jodarwho lost on Wednesday in the semifinals of the Montreal Masters 1000 against the American Brandon Nakashimawould debut against the Canadian Denis Shapovalov or French Adrian Mannarino.
The Brazilian João Fonseca, For his part, he will try to go further than in Montreal, where he lost in the round of 16 against Ben Shelton.
Reunion of the Williams
In it WTA 1000 feminine, polish Iga Swiatek will defend the title once his participation in the tournament ends. Canadian Openin which this Wednesday he made his way to the final, which will be played on Thursday.
The Belarusian Aryna Sabalenkawinner in 2024, also arrives wanting to shake off the unpleasantness of her defeat in the round of 16 in Canada.
Another of the great attractions of the tournament must be the reunion of Venus and Serena Williamswho received an invitation to form a doubles pair.
The American sisters, who have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, last played together in doubles at the 2022 US Open.
Serena Williams, holder of 23 Grand Slam titles, fell in the first round of last Wimbledon in her first singles match in four years.
The American star, 44, had previously played two doubles matches, but a knee injury forced him to cancel his plans to play alongside Venus at Wimbledon.
The Japanese Naomi Osakawhose injury prevented her from playing in the 2020 final in Cincinnati, claimed fatigue and will be one of the notable absences.
