Novak Djokovic fans unite in Chicago to celebrate his return to the USA ahead of the US Open

Chicago fans of Djokovic celebrate his return to the States.

Novak Djokovic fans (Image via Twitter)

It’s been almost two years since Novak Djokovic went and played in the United States of America. Having last played here in 2021 at the US Open final, Djokovic was forced to miss multiple masters events and one Grand Slam in the States due to him not taking the mandatory vaccine. Finally, his fans will be able to witness the Serb play as the vaccination rules have been lifted.

Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the Toronto Masters due to fatigue. However, his excited American fans are eagerly waiting for his return to the Cincinnati Masters and then the US Open.

The support has been absolutely insane with fans getting together and cheering immensely for the Serbian legend. Recently at the Beograd Cafe in Chicago, fans of Djokovic were seen cheering for him and celebrating his return.

Yesterday, outside the Beograd Cafe, Novak’s Chicago fans of all ages gathered to celebrate the return of @DjokerNole to the USA!!! It’s been too long, and we miss him! Looking forward to @CincyTennis & @usopen! Welcome Back, GOAT! ❤️?@jelenadjokovic @NovakFanClub @NDjokofan pic.twitter.com/ZqLyTMRSlr
— Cookie ? (@Rahfucious) July 31, 2023

They were posing with the Serbian flag and were also seen wearing Djokovic shirts. One of the flags in the picture can be seen having text written on it. The text reads, “Welcome to USA Nole. Chicago fan club.” It is very clear that the fans have missed him desperately and won’t leave any chance of witnessing him play live. It will be interesting to see how Djokovic will respond to this love as the Serb has a great history of spending time with his fans.

What happened when Novak Djokovic last played in the States?

25usopen djokovic superJumbo 1 — Novak Djokovic (Image via The New York Times)

Novak Djokovic’s last appearance in the United States of America was back in 2021 at the US Open. The Serb was competing for a record Calendar Slam and become the first male player to do it in the Open Era. He had won the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon that year and the US Open provided the perfect platform. The event started with Djokovic having a tricky first-round clash with Holger Rune and the Serb won in four sets.

The next tricky battle was in the third round against Kei Nishikori which again was won in 4 sets. He further played two more four-set matches in the pre-quarters and quarter-finals against Jenson Brooksby and Matteo Berettini. However, his actual exhaustion came in the Semi-Finals against Alexander Zverev. The match was a thrilling five-setter and Djokovic somehow won the final set 6-2.

The match has many rallies that had 30+ shots played with one going to almost 60 shots. The long outing exhausted the Serb as he failed at the final hurdle against Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic lost the final easily in straight sets. He would love to turn that final result around as he comes to compete at the Flushing Meadows once again.