Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was defeated by Novak Djokovic on Wednesday in the Western & Southern Open after the Spaniard withdrew early from the match due to a lower back injury. This was the Serbian’s first singles match in the United States since 2021.
The match was called after 46 minutes when Davidovich Fokina slumped down in agony after his return and lost the second set, 6-4, against second-ranked Novak Djokovic.
Kind a mixed feelings tonight, said Djokovic. Like Alejandro a lot. have a great rapport off the field. While in Spain, we train alongside one another. He disclosed to me that he recently developed a lower back problem. It’s regrettable.
On his first day back in the country after missing matches due to COVID-19 vaccine restrictions, Djokovic, 36, lost in doubles. He will be in Cincinnati for the first time since 2019. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Western & Southern Open was held in New York.
Since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon championship match, Djokovic had not played in a singles event. Djokovic, who holds a men’s record of 23 Grand Slam singles victories, will take on Frenchman Gael Monfils on Thursday. Monfils has a lifetime record of 0-18 versus Djokovic.
Djokovic stated that playing one set was preferable to not playing at all or losing. Tomorrow I’ll have another opportunity. removing some of the rust.
Iga Swiatek, who is now ranked first, has never advanced past the Cincinnati tournament’s quarterfinals, but she had a promising start to the week by defeating American qualifier Danielle Collins 6-1, 6-0.
I didn’t feel secure in Cincinnati last year, so for me, it represents a significant improvement, Swiatek said. “I believe it will greatly boost my confidence. I’m pleased that this year, I can play better tennis here.
Zheng Qinwen, a Chinese professional, came from behind to overcome 43-year-old Venus Williams on Wednesday by scores of 1-6, 6-2, and 6-1. Swiatek will now play Zheng Qinwen in the fourth round.
The biggest disappointment for the women On Wednesday, Petra Kvitova, who was ranked ninth, was defeated by 18-year-old Linda Noskova 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Kvitova advanced to the Cincinnati final the previous year.
No. 4 After 2 hours and 17 minutes, Elena Rybakina defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4.
The fourth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated American Ben Shelton in straight sets, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2), after having lost in the Cincinnati quarterfinals three years in a row.
They really have nothing to lose with players like these, Tsitsipas remarked. On the court, he is still spiritually unencumbered. He is engaging in irresponsible game play, exactly like I did when I first began.
The day was favorable for Americans.
3rd seeded Martina Trevisan, a qualifier, attempted an upset, but Jessica Pegula held her off to win 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-3. Seventh-seeded Coco Gauff defeated Mayar Sherif at night 6-2, 6-2.
The oldest professional tournament still held in the same city is the Masters 1000 competition, which has been held in Cincinnati since 1899. With a potential relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2026, its future is uncertain.
