Aug 4, 2024; Paris, France; Novak Djokovic (SRB) celebrates after receiving his gold medal during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY SportsGold medalist Novak Djokovic withdrew from next week’s Cincinnati Open, tournament officials said Thursday.
Djokovic, the World No. 2, is the defending champion of the tournament in Mason, Ohio, and has won it three times. His other titles were in 2018 and 2020.
Djokovic won his first gold medal on Sunday in Paris by knocking off Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.
“We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati,” tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement. “His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon.”
Last year, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in a final that took three hours, 49 minutes, the longest match in Cincinnati Open history.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, appears to be making sure he is fit to defend his U.S. Open title. That major tournament begins Aug. 26 in New York.
The Serbian, 37, underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee just over two months ago, causing him to withdraw from a French Open quarterfinal match.
Djokovic previously pulled out of this week’s National Bank Open in Montreal.
Replacing Djokovic in the main draw is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a 21-year-old Frenchman.
–Field Level Media
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis player and reigning Olympic gold medalist, has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Cincinnati Open. The tournament officials confirmed this news on Thursday, citing Djokovic’s recent triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games as the reason for his decision to skip the event.
Djokovic, currently ranked World No. 2, is a three-time champion of the Cincinnati Open, having claimed the title in 2018, 2020, and 2023. His absence from this year’s tournament comes after his impressive performance in Paris, where he secured his first Olympic gold medal by defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.
In a statement, tournament director Bob Moran expressed his understanding of Djokovic’s need for rest and recovery after his Olympic success. He also mentioned the memorable title run that Djokovic had at the Cincinnati Open last year and expressed eagerness to see him back on the court soon.
Last year, Djokovic and Alcaraz played a thrilling final at the Cincinnati Open, which lasted three hours and 49 minutes, making it the longest match in the tournament’s history. Djokovic’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming event seems to be a strategic move to ensure his fitness ahead of the U.S. Open, scheduled to begin on August 26 in New York.
The 37-year-old Serbian recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, which forced him to withdraw from a French Open quarterfinal match earlier this year. Djokovic had also withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal this week, further indicating his focus on recovering and preparing for upcoming major tournaments.
As Djokovic steps back from the Cincinnati Open, 21-year-old French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will take his place in the main draw. Despite his absence, fans are eagerly anticipating Djokovic’s return to the court and his defense of his U.S. Open title later this month.
–Field Level Media
