Tennis: Djokovic’s 20-match win streak ends with…
DUBAI – Novak Djokovic suffered his first loss of the season in Friday’s semi-final defeat by Daniil Medvedev at the Dubai Tennis Championships, but he was pleased with his fitness levels during the tournament, having returned from injury.
The world No. 1 Serb suffered a hamstring tear en route to winning the Adelaide Open before claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.
Following his success in Melbourne, the 35-year-old had a solid run at the ATP 500 event in Dubai before he lost 6-4, 6-4 to Medvedev, who faced defending champion Andrey Rublev in Saturday’s all-Russian final, the result of which was not available at press time.
“I lost to a better opponent. I know that I didn’t play well in some decisive moments, but it was also due to his quality of tennis,” said Djokovic, who had been on a 20-match winning run.
“The way I felt throughout the entire week makes me really satisfied with the current state of my body, not knowing how I’m going to react with the comeback after an injury. I’m really glad.”
Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against Covid-19, also said he is still waiting for the outcome of his application for special permission to enter the United States, where foreigners are required to provide proof of vaccination.
If he cannot compete at the hard-court ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami later in March, his next tournament will be on clay in Monte Carlo in April.
“If there’s no America, I guess I’ll play clay. Monte Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that’s the case, I’ll take some time off, I’ll prepare,” he said.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the US Open are hoping Djokovic is successful in his bid to enter the country.
“Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest champions our sport has ever seen,” the US Open Twitter account said on Friday.
“The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami.”
The US vaccine requirement for foreign air travellers is not expected to be lifted before the main draw begins at Indian Wells on Thursday and the Miami Open later in the month, meaning Djokovic could miss out for a second straight year.
Separately, British tennis chiefs are set to abandon their controversial ban on Russian and Belarusian players for July’s Wimbledon.
Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported on Friday: “All expectations suggest that the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club) will lower the ban on Russians and Belarusians.”
However, it added that players from those countries may need to sign a declaration promising they will not “promote or glorify” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in any way during the tournament. REUTERS, AFP.
