Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s Cincinnati Open. The Serbian will enjoy a short break instead of competing at the ATP Masters 1000 event immediately after winning gold at the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to win a first career gold medal for Serbia at Roland Garros. The 24-time Grand Slam champion burst into tears after his victory.
The 37-year-old is just the fifth player ever to win all four Grand Slams and an Olympic singles title after Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. He had made it clear the tournament in Paris was his main target this year.
And following the emotional and physical toll of the Olympics at what was his fifth Games, Djokovic has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Masters.
Tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement: “We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati. His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon.”
Djokovic’s withdrawal means the gigantic Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last month, comes into the draw.
Djokovic is a three-time champion at the hard-court event in Cincy, having last won it in 2023 when he beat Alcaraz in a deciding tiebreak.
His gold medal in Paris was the first title he has won this year and Djokovic will be aiming to win a 25th Grand Slam at the US Open later this month. The Slam, where Djokovic is the defending champion, starts August 26 and runs through to September 8.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the Serb will play the Shanghai Masters in China from September 30 to October 13.
He said: “I would like to say that I’m coming back to Shanghai after five years in October. I can’t wait – I’m super excited to see all my Chinese fans and tennis fans.
“It’s one of the nicest tennis tournaments in the world. Five years has been too long for not visiting China so I’m really looking forward to seeing it.
“I miss my Chinese fans, I miss playing on Chinese soil. I’ve had so much success over the years in Shanghai. I won my first World Tour Finals or Masters event in Shanghai in 2008 so fantastic memories over the years.
“All my Nole fans in China, hope to see you there! Let’s all enjoy some great tennis at the Qizhong Tennis Center.”
There were some fears Djokovic could now retire after adding the one big prize that was missing from his cabinet. But he has already dismissed those suggestions, claiming he wants to play the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
His former coach Goran Ivanisevic said: “Considering how crazy he is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in Los Angeles as well. I wish him a 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire.
“Although he’ll never retire, this guy! I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him. If he plays like this, he’s the man to beat at the U.S. Open.”
