August 4, 2024; Paris, France; Novak Djokovic (SRB) celebrates after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics at Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports Gold medalist Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s Cincinnati Open, tournament officials said Thursday.
Djokovic, ranked second in the world, is the defending champion of the Mason event in Ohio and has won it three times. His other titles were won in 2018 and 2020.
Djokovic beat Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets on Sunday to win his first gold medal in Paris.
“We certainly understand it’s a quick transition for him to come to Cincinnati after his Olympic victory,” tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement. “His win here last year was unforgettable. We Eager to see him on the pitch again soon.”
Last year, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in a final that lasted three hours and 49 minutes, the longest match in Cincinnati Open history.
Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, appears to be ensuring he can defend his U.S. Open title. The major event will begin on August 26 in New York.
The 37-year-old Serbian underwent surgery more than two months ago to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, which caused him to withdraw from the French Open quarterfinals.
Djokovic previously withdrew from this week’s National Bank Open in Montreal.
Replacing Djokovic in the main draw is 21-year-old French player Giovanni Mpehi-Pericard.
–Scene-level media
