Novak Djokovic Denied to Give Autographs to Fans After R1 Victory at US Open 2021

Published 08/31/2021, 10:02 PM EDT

After an enthralling start to the much-awaited US Open, fans were in for yet another action-packed day. Notably, gracing the New York skyline with some breathtaking tennis was World No. 1, Novak Djokovic. He took on Denmarks’s Holger Rune in an exciting showdown.

Novak Djokovic put on a show as he kick-started his US Open campaign and began his quest in creating history. A packed Arthur Ashe stadium gave the Serbian and his Danish counterpart a roaring welcome. However, they had to settle for disappointment as the Serbian ‘G.O.A.T. could not interact with them, because of covid protocols.

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Covid, not again

The US Open began in full swing, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, the players are restricted to a bio-bubble, with interactions outside of the bubble being prohibited. As a result of these rules, the winner tonight, Novak Djokovic refrained from meeting fans and signing autographs. However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion was courteous enough to stop for a quick selfie with a few lucky spectators.

Novak stopping and willing to sign autographs as he was exiting Ashe, but could not do it. Players are taking selfies with fans sometimes, so this is the way to go for them.
— TENNISMEDIA (@luciahoff) September 1, 2021

Regardless, fans return home, having witnessed the brilliance of Novak Djokovic as he kick-started his journey to a Calendar Grand Slam. Returning for the first time since his loss in Tokyo, the 34-year-old looked as good as new, playing with a sublime touch and exhilarating form. However, even as Novak put on a show, the highlight of the game was Rune’s epic fightback in the second set.

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Novak Djokovic – not the only winner tonight

Novak Djokovic triumphed in the game, beating Rune in an exciting 4-setter. However, it was the 18-year-old youngster and his character in the second set that had the crowd up on their feet. Despite being dominated throughout the first set, losing 6-1, Rune showed up for the second set with regained confidence and took to the game to Novak.

In a thrilling tie-break, he won the second set 6-7, leaving the crowd speechless and in awe. Sadly, he couldn’t attain the all-important win, but surely won hearts for his fierce fighting spirit, even against the world’s best.

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Written by:

Melroy Joseph Fernandes is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. A Mass Media graduate, Melroy has been a content writer for the past 6 years, curating stories for several brands, starting from his own. At the age of 17, Melroy began his writing Journey with Team BIB, an event management company for everything Art and Entertainment.

Novak Djokovic Denied to Give Autographs to Fans After R1 Victory at US Open 2021

Covid, not again

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Novak Djokovic – not the only winner tonight