Novak Djokovic, fresh off his first Olympic gold medal, has decided to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open, a key hard-court tournament leading up to the US Open. The 37-year-old Serbian tennis star made the announcement on Thursday, just days after his Olympic victory.
Key Details:
- Recent Olympic Triumph: Djokovic clinched his first Olympic gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in the men’s singles final at the Paris Games.
- Cincinnati Open Withdrawal: The Cincinnati Open, where Djokovic was the defending champion, confirmed his withdrawal. The tournament, set to begin next week, is traditionally a major preparation event for the US Open.
- Reason for Withdrawal: The quick turnaround from his Olympic victory to the Cincinnati tournament was cited as a reason for his withdrawal. Tournament director Bob Moran expressed understanding, noting how memorable Djokovic’s title run was last year.
- Impact on the Field: Djokovic’s withdrawal opens a spot for France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to compete in Cincinnati.
Upcoming US Open:
- Defending Champion: Djokovic is the reigning champion of the US Open, where he won his 24th Grand Slam title in 2023. This year’s US Open begins on August 26, with the draw scheduled for August 22.
As Djokovic focuses on rest and preparation, fans eagerly await his return to the court at the US Open, where he will defend his title and potentially add another Grand Slam victory to his illustrious career.
