Djokovic: "My body hasn't responded so well after a Grand Slam in years"

Novak Djokovic will be one of the major media focuses at the ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati 2026. The Serbian is aware that he may have a golden opportunity to do something significant in this tournament and arrive full of form and confidence at the US Open 2026, his ultimate goal. He talked about this during the Media Day prior to the tournament.

The absences of Sinner and Alcaraz, along with the inconsistency of many top-10 players and the physical and mental effort made by numerous competitors in Canada, make it possible for Novak Djokovic to look forward to his participation in the ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati 2026 with great optimism and certain guarantees of success. This is bolstered by the good memories the Serbian has in the Ohio event and how well he is physically prepared, as he revealed in a talk with TennisTV and in statements reported by atptour.com.

This is what Novak Djokovic said before starting to compete in the ATP Cincinnati 2026

Djokovic's optimism about his physical condition

The Serbian was clear that he wanted to compete in at least one tournament before the US Open, and his feelings after Wimbledon have reinforced that decision. Djokovic claims that he is in a particularly positive physical moment, which is significant given the accumulated demands throughout the season and the physical ailments suffered after each major event in recent seasons.

"I wanted to play a tournament before the US Open. My body has reacted very well after Wimbledon. I think I haven't felt this good after a Grand Slam in over two years. I'm healthy and very eager to play."

Djokovic's excitement when recalling his history in Cincinnati

The relationship between Djokovic and Cincinnati began in 2005 when he first competed in the main draw of a Masters 1000. Two decades later, the Serbian continues to return to a tournament he considers special and that he last won in 2023. He has played 57 matches, with a record of 45-12 and three titles (2018, 2020, and 2023).

"I have great memories of this tournament, although it took me some time to win my first title here. I think I played four or five finals before winning it for the first time against Roger. In fact, I lost to him in most of those finals that I played earlier."

"It was a difficult obstacle for me to overcome. But once I got the first title, I felt a sort of immense relief."

"I have had great support here from Chicago and Ohio. The Serbian community is very large. That's what I remember from the finals in 2023 and 2018. There were quite a few Serbian flags in the stadium. It was very nice."

"I didn't know that this had been the first Masters 1000 I played in my career. It was in 2005. It's been about 20 or 21 years since I started coming here."

"The last time I was here, I won the title in 2023 against Alcaraz. That final was one of the most epic three-set matches I've been a part of. A true emotional rollercoaster. Everything was decided in a few points."

These words from Novak Djokovic serve as a clear warning to others, knowing that he is being presented with a golden opportunity to achieve that coveted 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open 2026, due to the lack of competitive rhythm that Sinner and Alcaraz will arrive with. His path to glory in Flushing Meadows starts at the ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati 2026, an event he considers highly significant.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic: "Mi cuerpo no reaccionaba tan bien tras un Grand Slam desde hace años"