After a shocking loss at the Tokyo Olympics and leaving without any medals, Novak Djokovic has decided to skip the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, which starts this Monday, August 16. The Serbian will go straight to the US Open, where he wants to complete the calendar year Grand Slam.
The World No. 1 is looking to be the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the four Grand Slams in the same year. However, right now, his preparation for the last major of the season seems uncertain, as Djokovic decided to skip Washington, Toronto and Cincinnati.
Djokovic has played nine tournaments this season and won four of them, including the three majors. The 34 year-old wanted to win the Golden Slam, the four majors plus the gold medal, but German Alexander Zverev stood in his way. Here, check out why Djokovic is not paying in Cincinnati this year.
Why won't Novak Djokovic be competing in the Cincinnati Masters 2021?
Djokovic explained in his social media that his reason for pulling out of the Western & Southern Open was that he is “taking a bit longer to recover and recuperate” after a “taxing” season. However, it seems like the Serbian has been dealing with injuries too.
After losing to Pablo Carreño Busta the bronze medal in singles, Djokovic pulled out of the bronze medal match in mixed doubles in the Tokyo Olympics. He explained the reason was a shoulder injury. Also, he said in his press conference: “I am dealing with injuries. Not one, more than one… I have played under medications and abnormal pain and exhaustion.”
The Serbian was very criticized for his withdrawal in the mixed doubles, especially because it was after a very tense match against Carreño Busta in which he threw racquets at the empty stands, despite having been suspended last year in the US Open after he hit a line judge in the throat.
