NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic said his early exit from the Cincinnati Open gave him valuable time to prepare for the U.S. Open, where the Serbian will bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The world number five lost in the second round in Cincinnati to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante after struggling in the heat and taking a medical timeout.
“I don’t like early losses anywhere, to be honest, but it gave me time to be preparing for the U.S. Open in a most adequate way,” Djokovic told reporters in Flushing Meadows on Saturday.
The 39-year-old said he had used the extra time to train and get his body and mind ready for the demands of the hardcourt major.
“If you ask me if I’m prepared, I feel like I am, as best as I can be, but it’s different training and then getting out on the Arthur Ashe Stadium and playing best-of-five,” Djokovic said.
The four-times U.S. Open champion acknowledged that the opening rounds have become increasingly challenging in recent years.
The opening matches are always for me, particularly in the last few years, quite challenging,” he said. “So hopefully I can overcome the first hurdle and build from there.”
Djokovic will make his 20th appearance at the U.S. Open, an achievement he said reflected his long-term commitment to maintaining his career at the highest level.
Fourth seed Djokovic will begin his campaign against Argentine Mariano Navone.
