Spotlight           

Djokovic Triumphs in Return to American Soil, Cincinnati Open Opponent Forced to Withdraw

on



In a noteworthy victory, Novak Djokovic secured his first singles match win on American turf since 2021 at the Western & Southern Open, as his rival Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was compelled to retire during their second-round clash. The match, which saw Djokovic take the initial set 6-4 on Wednesday, came to an abrupt end when Davidovich Fokina, who had previously taken a medical pause in the first set, withdrew due to a back injury.

With this triumph, Djokovic advances to the third round to face fellow 36-year-old Gaël Monfils from France. The Serbian tennis sensation, gearing up for the US Open, acknowledged Monfils' remarkable performance, humorously labeling their upcoming match as a "duel of the veterans."

Djokovic's return to US soil is particularly significant as he had been unable to enter the country for the past two years due to his unvaccinated status against Covid-19. However, this year's relaxation of vaccine requirements for non-US travelers permitted his participation in the Cincinnati tournament. Prior to this victory, Djokovic's last appearance on American courts was at the 2021 US Open, where he faced defeat against Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Reflecting on his prolonged absence from US tournaments, Djokovic expressed contentment with his decision, emphasizing his excitement about making a comeback. Despite his win, Djokovic displayed empathy towards his opponent's retirement, hoping for Davidovich Fokina's swift recovery from the lower back injury that forced him to withdraw.

As Djokovic progresses in the tournament, his quest for a third title at the Western & Southern Open is evident. His prior victory in 2020, during the tournament's relocation to New York City amidst the pandemic, adds to the anticipation surrounding his current campaign.





Comments

Post a Comment

Share your response



This Month's Top Stories

Image

New Dawn, New Blooms by Angel Mary | A Poem

A sudden gleam appeared, as I wandered in vain, Feeling like solitude, a cool breeze stirred in the quiet air, As the tides rise and fall, I endure like a beacon of light, Trapped in silence, the bird longs for the sky, I yearn to fly, Each bud that blooms whispers a promise, a hope reborn in every petal's grace, As the night grows deeper, moon beams brightly with a gentle smile, With every step I take, I carry the spirit of resilience… Angel Mary born in Kasaragod, Kerala is a dedicated poet with a deep passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the power of hope through her words. Her poetry reflects a profound connection to the natural world, often exploring themes of renewal, resilience, and the quiet strength found in everyday moments. Through her work, Angel strives to inspire readers to find light and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Image

Finding Beauty in Resilience: Sommya Jain's Story of Success | Ankush Bharti

by Ankush Bharti  In this exclusive interview, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sommya Jain, from being diagnosed with Haemangioma at a young age to overcoming countless obstacles and emerging as a successful social media influencer and dancer. Sommya shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights into her resilience, passion for dance, and commitment to inspiring others through her story. Join us as we explore the incredible transformation and unwavering spirit of this extraordinary individual. Can you share with us your journey from being diagnosed with Haemangioma to becoming a successful social media influencer and dancer? Well, to know the entire story, you need to read my autobiography book, which I am going to launch soon but to give you details in short:- I was just nine years old when I was diagnosed with a large Haemangioma on my right cheek, I was about to take part in the very famous show of the time named Boogie Boogie as I was born dan...
Image

A Scholar's Odyssey: Neha Kumari's Evolution into an IAS Officer | Interview by Ankush Bharti

  Neha Kumari is a dynamic and accomplished individual who has excelled in multiple domains, from academia to public service. Holding a strong academic background with a Master of Arts in English Literature from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Neha further pursued her scholarly pursuits by completing a PhD from BHU, specialising in British and Commonwealth literature. Her dedication to academic excellence is underscored by her achievements, including clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and qualifying the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in 2021.  Notably, Neha's intellectual curiosity extends beyond the realms of literature, as evidenced by her success in the competitive arena of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), where she attained Grade A in 2022. However, her journey doesn't end there. In 2023, Neha achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a coveted position in the Indian Administrative Service (I...
Image

Ashima Syal Shortlisted for Global Honour Celebrating Women Empowering Through Words and Wisdom

In a world brimming with noise, some voices bring clarity, healing, and power. One such voice belongs to Ashima Syal , an educator, writer, and mentor from Mumbai, who has been officially shortlisted for the Tribute Global Digi Awards for Women 2025 under the Special Recognition Category: Women Empowerment Through Literature & Education . Hosted by The Holistic Pine: International Independent Lifestyle Journal , this category honours changemakers whose journeys may not always follow traditional routes—but whose impact speaks volumes. The awards celebrate women using education, literature, and personal vision to uplift communities and spark transformation. Nominees in this category receive the same recognition as primary awardees, including a formal Prashastipatra (Letter of Citation) , digital certificates , and feature stories across global platforms . A Teacher, A Poet, A Force for Expression Currently serving as Assistant Professor at KESS Shroff College, Mumbai , Ashima Sya...
Image

Tribute June 2025 Issue Launched: A Celebration of Literary Voices and Empowerment

The Holistic Pine has officially launched its much-awaited Tribute: The Authors’ Special Issue , a commemorative edition that shines a spotlight on the power of the written word and the authors who wield it with passion, purpose, and integrity. This June 2025 edition of Tribute is more than a literary showcase—it’s a journalistic homage to stories that challenge norms, celebrate resilience, and foster dialogue. The feature-laden issue explores a broad canvas of themes ranging from women’s empowerment and literary legacy to holistic living and self-mastery. Highlights of the Issue: 🔹 “Penning Power, Passion and Purpose” – A heartfelt conversation with bestselling author and changemaker Eshita Singh , whose body of work continues to empower and inspire. 🔹 “Special Feature: Devi – Stories that Refuse to be Silenced” – A deep dive into Singh’s revolutionary anthology Devi , which honours women who have rewritten their destinies. 🔹 “Mario Vargas Llosa: Farewell to a Master of Lit...
Image

Legacy: An interview with Mamatatai, daughter of Padma Shri Dr. Sau Sindhutai Sapkal by Ankush Bharti

Mamatatai is the daughter of the renowned personality Padma Shri Dr. Sau Sindhutai Sapkal. In this interview I try to unearth her real struggles and get to know more about the great personality of Padma Shri Dr. Sau Sindhutai Sapkal. The Questions by Ankush Bharti are emboldened.    Goodafternoon Ma'am tell us about yourself? From the very beginning right? I am Mamata Tai daughter Padma Shri Dr Sindhu Tai’s daughter. I have done my graduation in psychology and masters in social work after pursuing my education, I started involving in my work. I have been active in social work for the past 26 years.I am in this social work field. It was like household work for me because I didn't have to go for any different organisation. I had been seeing social work as being a part of our family structure from the very beginning and it was not something new that I was seeing, it was like a part of everyday curriculum. I had seen Mai doing this work since I was small. I used to think that it i...
Image

The Holistic Pine Unveils Cover of Tribute: The Author Special Edition Featuring Literary Luminary Eshita Singh

The Holistic Pine , India’s acclaimed international independent lifestyle and culture journal, proudly unveils the cover of its much-anticipated special issue of Tribute — The Author Special Edition —featuring the inspirational writer and changemaker Eshita Singh as the cover figure. This exclusive cover release is being made public today alongside this official report on TheHolisticPine.com , marking a landmark occasion in the journal's publishing history. Curated under the editorial direction of Anulal S., Managing Editor of The Holistic Pine , this commemorative edition honors literary voices who are redefining what it means to write with purpose, impact, and authenticity. With Eshita Singh on the cover, the issue stands as a glowing tribute to the transformative power of storytelling. A Beacon of Empowerment: Eshita Singh Hailing from Jaipur, India, with roots in the historic city of Varanasi, Eshita Singh is a modern literary force—an accomplished author, motivational s...
Image

Carpe Verba: A Resounding Literary Awakening by The Great Indian Review

Week One of The Great Indian Review’s Literary Series Sets a Stirring Tone —Report by Correspondent, The Holistic Pine There are moments when literature doesn't just mirror life—it reclaims it. One such moment arrived last week, as The Great Indian Review , in collaboration with Writers’ Kalam Publishing , launched its much-awaited literary movement— Carpe Verba . Latin for "Seize the Words" , Carpe Verba is more than a title; it is a literary pulse, a call to reclaim the written voice in a world that often moves too fast to listen. In a country as vast and diverse as India, where stories bloom in every tongue and tradition, this initiative couldn’t have come at a better time. Week 1, held under the theme “Memories” , invited writers to open the treasure chests of their pasts. The response was overwhelming—not in numbers alone, but in emotional depth and artistic sincerity. From Ashika Umesh's mythopoetic evocation of Lethe in Waters of Oblivion , to Ashima Syal...
Image

From Darkness to Light By Dr Mrittika Mal | Self Help Inspiration Poetry

Ten long years, I walked through the night, No stars above, no path in sight. Each step was heavy, heart full of pain, A storm inside; the coldest rain| I lost my voice, I lost my way, The world grew dim, so far, so grey. But deep within, a whisper stirred, A flame unbroken, a silent word| I fought through shadows, learned to stand, I shaped my life with trembling hands. Slowly, gently, I reached for the skies, Wiped the sorrow from my eyes| Today I rise — reborn, anew, Under the sun, beneath the blue skies. On this birthday, I dance, I sing, For life has crowned me with its spring| The past was dark, but now I see, Those years were the roots that strengthened me. No longer broken, no longer small, I rise with joy; I rise with all| The road ahead shines gold and wide, With every breath, I bloom inside From here, it’s only going to grow and soar, A life of light, forevermore||| Dr. Mrittika Mal is a visionary in holistic wellness, passionately devoted to aligning the body, mind, and sou...
Image

From Amritsar to Hollywood: The Inspiring Journey that Caught Will Smith's Eye

By Ankush Bharti  In the vast sea of social media, where countless stories flicker across screens, some tales stand out, capturing hearts and attention in unexpected ways. Such is the story of a soft-spoken, humble artist from Amritsar, the land of the Golden Temple in India, whose life took an extraordinary turn when her work caught the eye of none other than Hollywood icon Will Smith. It all began on a casual scroll through Instagram reels, where amidst the flurry of content, a particular deal shared by Will Smith piqued curiosity. To the astonishment of many, the artwork featured was crafted by an Indian artist. Intrigued, deeper exploration revealed the viral sensation behind the masterpiece. Meet Kawaljeet Kaur, a God-gifted talent who hadn't received formal training in her craft initially. From a tender age, she found solace and expression through art, a passion that burned brightly within her. Despite her innate talent, she chose to pursue higher education, obtaining a maste...