Novak Djokovic has returned to the tennis circuit, focusing on rigorous fitness training as he prepares for his campaign at the Cincinnati Open. The former world number one aims to add another chapter to his storied career at this prestigious ATP Masters 1000 tournament, where he has maintained a deep connection for over two decades.
Reflecting on his return, Djokovic expressed his appreciation for the venue’s evolution. “I look forward to playing at this tournament. I played the last one in 2023 and the facilities have improved so much, tremendously. Incredible job,” he told the ATP Tour.
While Djokovic is now a three-time champion in Ohio, his path to success was initially difficult. He struggled early in his career, winning only one of his first four matches at the event and suffering defeats in his first five finals. He faced significant hurdles against top rivals, losing to Andy Murray in 2008 and 2011, and falling to Roger Federer in the finals of 2009, 2012, and 2015.
“It took me a while to win my first title here,” Djokovic noted. “I think I was four or five finals prior to winning it for the first time against Roger. It was a hard hurdle for me to overcome. But once I got the first title, it kind of felt like a huge relief.” He finally broke through in 2018 by defeating Federer, later securing additional titles in 2020 and 2023.
The Serbian star also highlighted the support he receives from the local community. “I’ve had some great support here from Chicago and Ohio. The Serbian community is really big. That’s what I remember actually from the 2023 final and the 2018 final. There were quite a lot of Serbian flags in the stadium. That was really nice,” he added.
Entering the 2026 edition as the third seed, the 39-year-old is set to face either Thiago Agustin Tirante or Jan Choinski in his opening match. His presence in Cincinnati marks a significant career milestone, as he first appeared at this tournament in 2005, losing to Fernando Gonzalez in the opening round.
“I wasn’t aware that this was the first Masters 1000 main draw that I played in my career,” Djokovic said. “It was back in 2005. It has been about 20 or 21 years that I have been coming here.”
His most recent victory in 2023 remains a highlight of his tenure in Ohio. In that final, he saved a championship point against Carlos Alcaraz to win 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) after three hours and 49 minutes. This match stands as the longest best-of-three final in the history of the ATP Tour since 1990.
“The last time I was here, I won the title in 2023. It was one of the most epic best-of-three matches that I was ever part of,” he concluded, signaling his readiness to compete at the highest level once again.
Former World No 1 will look to add another chapter to his remarkable history at the ATP Masters 1000 event
1 has plenty of fond memories of Cincinnati, but his journey to becoming a three-time champion in Ohio was far from straightforward.
Djokovic finally ended his Cincinnati drought in 2018, beating Federer in the final to claim his maiden title at the tournament.
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