Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. HOME News Royal Showbiz & TV Sport Comment Finance Travel Entertainment Life & Style Football Tennis Transfer news F1 Boxing UFC Cricket Rugby Other Golf NFL Racing NBA Novak Djokovic revealed that he didn’t dwell on his 2023 Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, but was eager to “move on” ahead of the US Open. 23: 49, Mon, Aug 14, 2023 | UPDATED: 23: 54, Mon, Aug 14, 2023
Novak Djokovic has reflected on his Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz (Image: GETTY)
Novak Djokovic claims that he got over his 2023 Wimbledon final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz “in a day” as he steps up preparations for the US Open. The Serbian tennis star has reflected on the game which has given him extra “motivation” ahead of this month’s grand slam.
The five-set match saw both players put on a momentous occasion for spectators on Wimbledon’s Centre Court. Alcaraz’s win ended Djokovic’s ten-year undefeated record on the prestigious court, which was last broken by Andy Murray back in 2013.
The 20-year-old also stopped Djokovic from equalling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles. Despite the blow to his records, the defeat is not something that the Serbian has taken any time to dwell on.
“It’s not the first [nor] the last match that I lost, so I was over it in a day,” he said via EuroSport. “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.
Novak Djokovic lost in a tense five-set match to Carlos Alcaraz (Image: GETTY)
“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.
“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. 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.”
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Djokovic hasn’t played since the defeat but will be hoping to bounce back as he takes part in the Cincinnati Masters. The Serbian will face either Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Tomas Martin Etcheverry in his first singles match since Wimbledon on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
The 36-year-old is also entering the tournament with fellow Serbian Nikola Cacic in the doubles. The pair’s first game is against Britain’s Jamie Murray and Australia’s Michael Venus on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
The tournament should put the Serbian in good stead as he warms up for the US Open, which starts on Monday, Aug. 28. A title in Queens, New York would take Djokovic to an impressive 24 grand slam titles, putting him level with Australian tennis icon Margaret Court as the sports most decorated player. Djokovic is currently level with Serena Williams, but one title ahead of Rafael Nadal in the men’s rankings.
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