Novak Djokovic answers if he is ‘angry’ at US Open over 2022 ban

Novak Djokovic admits he was “sad” over missing the 2022 US Open but highlighted he is “not angry” at the US Open for what happened. Last year, Djokovic missed the US Open because he wasn’t allowed to enter the country as an unvaccinated foreigner. In May, the US authorities ended their COVID-19 emergency rules – that paved the way for Djokovic to return to the US Open this year. In his pre-tournament press conference at the US Open, Djokovic was asked if there were any lingering anger or disappointment over being banned from competing in the 2022 US Open.  “No, there was no anger. It was last year during the Open that I felt it’s a pity that I’m not there. I felt sad for not being able to participate. But this year, I mean, is this year. I don’t think about what happened in the last year or last couple of years. Just focusing my attention to this year’s tournament,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic on returning to the US Open

Djokovic hasn’t played at Flushing Meadows since losing against Daniil Medvedev in the 2021 US Open final. On Monday, Djokovic will officially make his return to the US Open when he meets Alexander Muller in the first round. “The first feeling that I have is excitement to come back because it is the biggest arena we have in our sport, the biggest stadium, and definitely the most fun, electric, exciting atmosphere out there in tennis, playing night session in Arthur Ashe, no doubt. I’m very excited that I’ll be able to play the opening night on Monday. Come back in front of probably the loudest fans in sport, tennis fans in sport. I’m just very, very looking forward to that. It’s been two years when I played last here and lost finals to Medvedev in ’21, going for four slams in a year. I haven’t performed well that day in terms of tennis. But what I felt from the crowd, that kind of connection and love and support that they gave me throughout entire match and also in the closing ceremony, was something that I carry still in my heart, and I still feel vibes from that night of the finals two years ago. Yeah, I try to use that for this year’s tournament,” Djokovic said.