23 time Grand Slam Novak Djokovic made his return to United State as he won Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4 in the first set of the Cincinnati Open.
Djokovic eased to victory at the Cincinnati Open in his first singles match in the United States in two years.
The Serbian saved two early break points before easing into the match.
He won the first set 6-4 against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who later retired with a back issue.
The victory was the 36-year-old’s Serb’s first time playing singles in Cincinnati since 2019, although he lost in doubles on Tuesday when he and compatriot Nikola Cacic were beaten by Britain’s Jamie Murray and Michael Venus of New Zealand.
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Djokovic said he missed playing in the biggest tournaments in the United States and was thrilled to be back.
The 23-times Grand Slam champion was not allowed to compete in the United State last year and earlier this year over his refusal to take a Covid-19 vaccine.
But rules for unvaccinated foreign travelers were relaxed in May, enabling him to return to competition.
The World number 2 Djokovic, who lost the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz last month, is looking to capture his third Grand Slam title of the season at the August 28-September 10 US Open.
The 2021 New York runner-up last competed on hardcourts in March and said it was too early to rate his form on the surface after a rusty first match back.
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