CINCINNATI — Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open on Monday, citing a “non-medical” reason, leaving him to enter the U.S. Open without having stepped on the court in over a month and a half.
This 24-time Grand Slam champion has not played since he faced a tough loss to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals on July 11.
During that match at the prestigious All England Club, Djokovic struggled after a “nasty” fall in his quarterfinal victory just two days earlier. Clearly hindered, he received treatment for his upper left leg, which affected his mobility against Sinner.
His decision to withdraw from Cincinnati follows his absence from the Toronto Masters, where he cited a groin injury for not competing.
Before Wimbledon, his last event was the French Open, where he again met Sinner in the semifinals.
As the U.S. Open singles competition kicks off on August 24, Djokovic will not have any preparation on hard courts prior to the tournament.
He has triumphed at Flushing Meadows four times, with his latest victory occurring in 2023, marking his most recent Grand Slam title.
