By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday August 8, 2024
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has elected to skip the Cincinnati Open in 2024.
The tournament announced the news on Thursday.
“We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati,” said Tournament Director Bob Moran. “His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon.”
Djokovic’s withdrawal moves Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard into the draw.
Djokovic won his 99th ATP title at the Olympics on Sunday. It’s been a busy season with Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympics all taking place within two months, so it makes sense for Djokovic to elect to rest, recharge and continue rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee prior to the US Open, which begins in less than three weeks.
Djokovic will be missed in the Queen city: the Serbian owns a 45-12 record at the ATP Masters 1000 hard-court event, triumphing in 2018, 2020 and 2023. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an epic third-set tiebreak in last year’s final.
The 37-year-old is 29-7 on the season and will bid for his 25th major title at this year’s US Open.