Djokovic plays first match in U.S. since 2021; loses in doubles
The Hindu
Novak Djokovic lost his first match in the U.S. since 2021, a doubles match with Nikola Cacic to Jamie Murray and Michael Venus. He'll face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in singles play Wed. Defending U.S. Open champ Carlos Alcaraz was in position to become the first ATP player to reach 50 wins this season. Sloane Stephens reached the third round for the first time since 2019, defeating Caroline Garcia. Ons Jabeur overcame a 5-1 deficit in the third set to beat Anhelina Kalinina.
Novak Djokovic fell in his first match in the United States since 2021, losing in doubles Tuesday in the Western and Southern Open.
Djokovic and Nikola Cacic lost 6-4, 6-2 to Jamie Murray and Michael Venus in the Serbian star's return to the country after missing events because of COVID-19 vaccine restrictions.
Djokovic was playing his first competitive match since falling to top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
The winner of a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Djokovic is set to open singles play Wednesday night against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Alcaraz faced Australian qualifier Jordan Thompson in a late match. The defending U.S. Open champion was in position to become the first ATP player to reach 50 wins this season.
In women's play, former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens reached the third round for the first time since 2019 with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over sixth-seeded defending tournament champion Caroline Garcia.
Stephens, who won in New York in 2017, improved to 2-8 in her last 10 matches against top-10 players. Both of the wins have been against Garcia.