Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati Open
In a surprising turn of events for tennis fans, Novak Djokovic has officially pulled out of the 2025 Cincinnati Open, a key lead-up event to the US Open. This decision has raised concerns as Djokovic continues his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, a milestone that would cement his legacy in the sport.
Recent Performance and Impact
The last time he triumphed in a major championship was two years ago at the US Open, and since that victory, he has been unable to secure a title across seven Grand Slam tournaments. This year’s Cincinnati Open, which is set to take place from August 7-18, will proceed without the presence of the three-time champion Djokovic, who has also chosen not to participate in the upcoming Canadian Open.
Consequently, the hard courts will remain untouched by Djokovic’s racquet leading up to his next competition at Flushing Meadows, heightening the anticipation for his potential performance there.
Other Competitors and Future Events
While other players such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are gearing up for the Cincinnati Open, with Sinner actively training in preparation for his return, tennis enthusiasts are left waiting to see the 38-year-old Serbian back in action. His absence marks another significant gap, considering he last lifted a trophy at Cincinnati in 2023, although he missed the tournament the previous year as well.
“Djokovic’s struggle continued as he faced an early upset in the third round of the US Open last year, something he will undoubtedly wish to avoid this time around.”
While there remains a flicker of hope for Djokovic to compete prior to the US Open, with the Winston-Salem Open scheduled for August 17-23, it is unlikely he would want to extend himself in another event so close to a Grand Slam. If he were to participate, he would face tough contenders like Arthur Fils, Sebastian Korda, and Alex Michelsen.
Withdrawal Trends in the Tournament
Furthermore, Djokovic’s withdrawal is not unprecedented this tournament season, as several other notable players, including Jack Draper, Matteo Berrettini, and Alexander Bublik, have also opted out of the Cincinnati Open. The tournament will be missing other talented athletes such as Grigor Dimitrov, Sebastian Korda, Jenson Brooksby, Hubert Hurkacz, and Laslo Djere.
As the tennis world watches closely, the implications of Djokovic’s absence and his physical challenges will undoubtedly shape the coming events.
