Novak Djokovic, the Olympic gold medallist and defending champion of the Cincinnati Open, has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournament. This news comes after his recent victory over Carlos Alcaraz in an epic final last year, where he claimed the title after a grueling match that lasted nearly four hours. Djokovic’s decision to skip the Cincinnati Open comes on the heels of his historic win at the Olympics in Paris, where he completed the golden slam by defeating Alcaraz once again.
Tournament director Bob Moran expressed understanding for Djokovic’s decision, acknowledging the quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to the Cincinnati Open. Despite Djokovic’s absence, fans and organizers alike are eager to see him back on the court soon, given his memorable title run at the tournament last year. In Djokovic’s place, world No 48 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will join the men’s draw, bringing his recent success at the Citi Open to the competition.
The Cincinnati Open serves as a crucial tune-up for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, which is set to begin on August 26. Djokovic, who is also the defending champion at the US Open, has his sights set on adding to his impressive collection of 24 Grand Slam titles. Despite facing challenges such as a torn meniscus earlier this year, Djokovic remains determined to continue competing at the highest level and represent his country in prestigious events like the Olympics and Davis Cup.
As tennis fans eagerly anticipate the US Open, they can catch all the action leading up to the tournament on Sky Sports Tennis. From the Cincinnati Open to the Winston-Salem Open and Tennis in the Land in Cleveland, viewers can watch the biggest stars in the sport compete on the hard courts. With the ATP and WTA Tours in full swing, there is no shortage of exciting matches to enjoy on Sky Sports Tennis throughout the 2024 season.
In conclusion, while Novak Djokovic may not be defending his Cincinnati Open crown this year, his presence and achievements in the world of tennis continue to captivate audiences worldwide. As he sets his sights on future tournaments and major titles, fans can look forward to watching him compete at the highest level and witness his pursuit of further success on the court.