"djokovic"

Earlier, Djokovic had landed in Australia citing a medical exemption to play in the Australian Open.

After defeating Cameron Norrie at the ATP Finals, Djokovic said the whole tennis community should come out in support of Peng and make sure she is safe.

"I would like to say thank you, because the atmosphere was amazing, the best atmosphere of the tournament so far," Djokovic told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

Cincinnati is the top tournament ahead of the last Grand Slam of the season, the US Open, which starts later this month.

The 34-year-old, who recently won the Wimbledon, to add to his Australian Open and French Open crowns, added, "Cannot disappoint my little friend Koujirou.

With this win, Djokovic now has 20 Grand Slams to his name and he is now equal with Swiss tennis maestro Roger Federer and Spanish player Rafael Nadal

Serena Williams injured her right leg when her left shoe lost traction behind the baseline in almost the exact same spot Adrian Mannarino went down.

The defending champion dropped the opening set against Jack Draper, a 19-year-old wild-card entry from England who is ranked 253rd.

Djokovic seeks a 20th major title, which would tie the men's record shared by Federer and Rafael Nadal.

It was Nadal's third loss in 108 matches at a tournament he won each of the last four years, including by beating Djokovic in the 2020 final.