Djokovic ‘Excited’ To Suit Up For W&S Open, US Open

Novak Djokovic will put his unbeaten (18-0) streak in 2020 on the line as he returns to New York this month for the Western & Southern Open and US Open. The latter event will also be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center due to COVID-19.

”I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited,” Djokovic said in a statement on Thursday. “I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis. I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organise these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field.”

Djokovic prevailed at the 2018 Western & Southern Open (d. Federer) and finished runner-up on five other occasions. He’s also won the US Open three times and holds a 72-11 career record in New York.

“During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center,” Djokovic said. “I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and [the] people of New York. Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so [that] I am ready to adapt to new conditions.”

The No. 1 player in the FedEx ATP Rankings enjoyed a perfect start to this year by leading Serbia to the inaugural ATP Cup title (d. Spain), lifting his eighth trophy at the Australian Open (d. Thiem) and winning his fifth crown in Dubai (d. Tsitsipas).