Novak Djokovic withdraws from Cincinnati Open, heads to US Open without preparation
The 24-time Grand Slam champion hasn't competed since losing in the Wimbledon semifinals to eventual champion Jannik Sinner on July 11.
That straight-set defeat against Sinner at the All England Club came two days after the 38-year-old Djokovic took what he described as a 'nasty' and 'awkward' fall in the last game of his quarterfinal victory. Djokovic clearly was compromised against Sinner and unable to move at his best; he received treatment on his upper left leg from a trainer.
ALSO READ | Diminishing returns: Djokovic's famed service return game shows signs of cracking
Djokovic's withdrawal from Cincinnati follows his decision to sit out the Toronto Masters that concludes this week. He cited a groin injury for that absence.
His previous event before Wimbledon was the French Open, where he also lost to Sinner in the semifinals.
Djokovic will have no hard-court tournament preparation before the U.S. Open singles competition begins on Aug. 24.
He has won four championships at Flushing Meadows, most recently in 2023. That was also his most recent Grand Slam trophy.
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