Novak Djokovic opens up on Wimbledon loss against Alcaraz, issues warning for US Open

Following his heartbreaking loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final precisely one month ago, Novak Djokovic spent some time off the tour. Djokovic stayed home to spend time with his family as the ATP field recovered from the effects of the grass court season and prepared for the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year. However, the Serb will resume proceedings in the form of Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday. Before the start of the tournament, Djokovic was questioned about his heartbreaking defeat in London.

3 things you need to know

• Novak Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2023
• Djokovic is 23-time Grand Slam champion
• Djokovic will now play in the US Open

Also Read | Djokovic and Alcaraz set to meet again in group stage of Davis Cup Finals

Novak Djokovic on his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2023 final

Speaking to the media on Sunday in Ohio, Djokovic acknowledged that while he had moved past his disappointment at losing the championship match, he did regret not taking risks against Alcaraz in the decisive set. He did, however, laud the Spaniard and hailed him as a deserving champion.

“It's not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day,” Djokovic said ahead of the Western & Southern Open. “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.”

Also Read | 'I'm sorry': Novak Djokovic channels his witty side apologises for being World number 1

Djokovic seeks Open era history

Djokovic was poised to break an Open Era record. While most of the discussion focused on whether he might match Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon wins, Djokovic's victory may have allowed him to surpass the legendary Serena Williams and become the first person to win a 24th Major in the Open Era. Djokovic, who won the Australian Open and Roland Garros this year, is still optimistic and driven to repeat his success at the US Open.

Novak Djokovic has FINALLY been let into the United States. Pure blood!

A huge Cincinnati crowd gathered to watch him practice.

The greatest tennis player alive, Djokovic refused to get the vaccine and it cost him Grand Slams and money - a true hero! pic.twitter.com/D6csKOPDrQ

— DiedSuddenly (@DiedSuddenly_) August 14, 2023

“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,” Djokovic said. “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.”