Novak Djokovic (No. 2, Serbia) has advanced to the third round of the men’s singles competition at the Cincinnati Open on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour ($6.6 million purse).

Djokovic defeated 23rd-ranked Davydovic Fokina (Spain) in straight sets in the second round of the men’s singles competition on day four of the tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

After Djokovic won the first set 6-4, Fokina withdrew with a back injury, leaving the match to stand.

Djokovic will play Gael Montpellier (211th, France), who defeated Alex Diminard (12th, Australia) 2-0 (7-5, 6-4), in the third round.

It will be the first time Djokovic has played a singles match in the United States in two years after finishing runner-up at the US Open in September 2021.

Djokovic, who arrived in Australia in January last year and was effectively deported from the tournament for not having received a COVID-19 vaccine, never set foot on American soil for the same reason.

However, he was able to compete in the U.S. this year after U.S. health officials changed their quarantine policy in May to allow unvaccinated foreigners to enter the country.

Djokovic used the tournament to try his hand at doubles for the first time in a long time, but lost his first round match the day before.

After winning his first singles match in front of the American fans, Djokovic said, “I didn’t want to win like this. I think the American fans were expecting a ‘battle,'” he said, adding, 먹튀검증 “Fokina revealed that her back injury came on suddenly the day before. I hope she’ll be better before the US Open.”

Djokovic will attempt to win his fourth career title and 24th major championship when the US Open kicks off on August 28.